So I was going to write this post about how a friend said that her 19th year was her best of her life, and how I'm still waiting for the best year of my life.
Then she told me why it was her best year. She said it was because of the big 'fork in the road' decisions that she had to make... And how that changed her life.
Reflecting back, my 19th year was full of big life, out look and attitude changes for me too. It was a year of blessings and challenges. Trials and support.
Thank you Lord for a year of so much learning, breaking, moulding and shaping.
And thank you friend for helping me realise that the best year of my life wasn't necessarily a year of all 'ups' but the year in which God developed and refined me the most.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
For Him
I guess at the end of last year I was a little confused about what the future held for me; now for those of you who know me, you have probably worked out that I'm a bit of a control freak. So not knowing my plans for the new year really bothered me. I winged and wined (I would say talked, but we all know it was more likely that I actually winged) about this to my 'mentors' on more then one occasion and eventually got the message that God knows my future.
This is the verses that popped up a few times...
John 10:27-28 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
After a lot of prayer whinging, researching, reading 'Cure for the common life, Max Lucado', Praying, talking to 'wise' friends, applying and more praying... I came to the conclusion that god had put a desire for animals and their welfare in my heart for just this reason ... to be a vet. (Dr. Steph) has a nice ring to it.
Ever since I was 7 I wanted to be a vet, I looked up to Dr. Harry Cooper, on his TV show Harry's Practice, and had the pleasure of meeting him once. I loved all animals of every description, big or small, wet and slimy or dry and prickly, you name it... (all but spiders).
But somewhere along the line my life became crowded with other desires. Children and the desire to serve God, had me leading youth group and a Sunday school class, and interning at the church and school. Don't get me wrong the past two years of my life have been full of challenges and blessings, and lots of growth both personally and spiritually.
So at the end of 2009 when it came to assessing my life and setting a future path, I was at a loss, I had know idea what to do with out the identity of "Stephanie the Craigmore intern, dependable, reliable, and at your service". But God knew, He knew all along that I needed those two years to grow in Him, and he new that at this time in my life I was ready to walk the path He had set for me...even if I was a little oblivious to it at the start.
I am currently a few weeks into term 1 at Para West Adult Campus studying Maths Studies, Chemistry and Creative textiles. Heading for a TER of 93+ to enroll at uni for veterinary science. It's hard work and most days I try and go it alone, but I know that I cannot do this in my own strength but it is the Lord alone that can get me through. And when I am a vet it will be because of Him and for Him.
This is the verses that popped up a few times...
John 10:27-28 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
After a lot of prayer whinging, researching, reading 'Cure for the common life, Max Lucado', Praying, talking to 'wise' friends, applying and more praying... I came to the conclusion that god had put a desire for animals and their welfare in my heart for just this reason ... to be a vet. (Dr. Steph) has a nice ring to it.
Ever since I was 7 I wanted to be a vet, I looked up to Dr. Harry Cooper, on his TV show Harry's Practice, and had the pleasure of meeting him once. I loved all animals of every description, big or small, wet and slimy or dry and prickly, you name it... (all but spiders).
But somewhere along the line my life became crowded with other desires. Children and the desire to serve God, had me leading youth group and a Sunday school class, and interning at the church and school. Don't get me wrong the past two years of my life have been full of challenges and blessings, and lots of growth both personally and spiritually.
So at the end of 2009 when it came to assessing my life and setting a future path, I was at a loss, I had know idea what to do with out the identity of "Stephanie the Craigmore intern, dependable, reliable, and at your service". But God knew, He knew all along that I needed those two years to grow in Him, and he new that at this time in my life I was ready to walk the path He had set for me...even if I was a little oblivious to it at the start.
I am currently a few weeks into term 1 at Para West Adult Campus studying Maths Studies, Chemistry and Creative textiles. Heading for a TER of 93+ to enroll at uni for veterinary science. It's hard work and most days I try and go it alone, but I know that I cannot do this in my own strength but it is the Lord alone that can get me through. And when I am a vet it will be because of Him and for Him.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
A bridge called Hope
I wanted to tell you about this awesome book that I have just finished reading, I wanted to blow your mind, sharing of its inspiration, fun and laughter, it's wisdom, and it's sadness and tears. This book has opened my eyes to the glory of the way God answers prayer; in His own time, and His own way (which is best for us) even if He answers it in a way and time we were not expecting. This book told me stories of rescued horses, that when showered with love and compassion that went on to 'rescue' youth from their own battles of lack of love, or their miss fit nature or their inability to trust. Through these horses and this youth ranch God has used both the two legged and the four to restore love and ignite hope in the lives of these children, which are so precious to God.
... I suppose I have some what shared with you this amazing book A Bridge Called Hope, Kim Meeder. And I hope the lessons this book has taught me will continue to effect my life and the lives of others around me. I hope that I too am a viable vessel that God can use for His glory.
... I suppose I have some what shared with you this amazing book A Bridge Called Hope, Kim Meeder. And I hope the lessons this book has taught me will continue to effect my life and the lives of others around me. I hope that I too am a viable vessel that God can use for His glory.
Monday, January 18, 2010
2009
It's a little over due but here's my over view of 2009
. Started horse riding (thanks Trish and Karen)
. Begun teaching a sundayschool class
. Interned for Nathan
. Shaved my head for worlds greatest shave
. Some loud American came along and stole the show
. Studied at ACM
. Quit working at OSHC
. Built a hutch
. Got guineapigs (Apple, Mac and Tosh)
. Road a motorbike
. Fell off a motorbike
. Revamped my room
. The loud American moved back to America
. Turned 20
. Best friend got engaged
. Caught sundancekids drumstick
. My other best mate moved to Queensland
. Enrolled in school for next year
... Bring on the new year, hopefully its better then last year...
. Started horse riding (thanks Trish and Karen)
. Begun teaching a sundayschool class
. Interned for Nathan
. Shaved my head for worlds greatest shave
. Some loud American came along and stole the show
. Studied at ACM
. Quit working at OSHC
. Built a hutch
. Got guineapigs (Apple, Mac and Tosh)
. Road a motorbike
. Fell off a motorbike
. Revamped my room
. The loud American moved back to America
. Turned 20
. Best friend got engaged
. Caught sundancekids drumstick
. My other best mate moved to Queensland
. Enrolled in school for next year
... Bring on the new year, hopefully its better then last year...
Thursday, November 26, 2009
People always leave
You know in the movies when the character is lonely they zoom in on them, the sound drops and everyone and everything around them starts zooming past... well that's how I have felt the last few months.
I had no real direction for my future, let alone next year. And Its as if all those who are close to me are drifting away, leaving one by one..
...First was my American hero; loud and full of love for the Lord. Not only was he my riding partner and friend, but he also stole my heart...
...Next was a very dear friend; one who over the past few years had done nothing but support me. He was always there to lend an ear or a shoulder. He suffered through Pete Murray, protected us at Stella Kart and endured the rough and tumble of city life to watch a mates gig with me. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for him...
...And to come my pastor and his family are moving to America, (ok so there going there to study the Bible), but I;m going to miss them, they may never know how much they have meant to me and truly impacted my life, and there will definitely be a whole left when they go. He was my youth pastor when I first came to the church, and he stirred in me the desire to know God. And his wife is amazing. she is so hospitable, and caring, and kind, compassionate, and selfless, and so much more. And there kids without a doubt put a smile on your face. each one so different from the other they cover all bases, quiet, loud, silly, sensible, smart, inquisitive, entertaining... and much, much more...
...But I suppose the saddest loss of all is that of my best friend. She didn't just leave as such but we have grown increasingly apart. She engaged which is exciting and blessing news, but is part of the reason for this distance. Other then that its the job that keep us apart, our interests have changed, and we just don't seem to make the time for each other like we used too. Unfortunately we are drifting... I miss the old us... the bffs that were hoes over bros...
So the camera is still zoomed in, everyone else is moving at the speed of life, and I am standing here alone, waiting for the rain to lift, the sun to shine, and the sound track to start playing.
I had no real direction for my future, let alone next year. And Its as if all those who are close to me are drifting away, leaving one by one..
...First was my American hero; loud and full of love for the Lord. Not only was he my riding partner and friend, but he also stole my heart...
...Next was a very dear friend; one who over the past few years had done nothing but support me. He was always there to lend an ear or a shoulder. He suffered through Pete Murray, protected us at Stella Kart and endured the rough and tumble of city life to watch a mates gig with me. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for him...
...And to come my pastor and his family are moving to America, (ok so there going there to study the Bible), but I;m going to miss them, they may never know how much they have meant to me and truly impacted my life, and there will definitely be a whole left when they go. He was my youth pastor when I first came to the church, and he stirred in me the desire to know God. And his wife is amazing. she is so hospitable, and caring, and kind, compassionate, and selfless, and so much more. And there kids without a doubt put a smile on your face. each one so different from the other they cover all bases, quiet, loud, silly, sensible, smart, inquisitive, entertaining... and much, much more...
...But I suppose the saddest loss of all is that of my best friend. She didn't just leave as such but we have grown increasingly apart. She engaged which is exciting and blessing news, but is part of the reason for this distance. Other then that its the job that keep us apart, our interests have changed, and we just don't seem to make the time for each other like we used too. Unfortunately we are drifting... I miss the old us... the bffs that were hoes over bros...
So the camera is still zoomed in, everyone else is moving at the speed of life, and I am standing here alone, waiting for the rain to lift, the sun to shine, and the sound track to start playing.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Smiles, St Kilda, Slides and Sunscren
We went to St Kilda Adventure Playground today. My cousins were headed down there and invited me to come along. The sad thing is it's virtually in my own backyard (compared to my cousins who live down South) and I had to use my GPS to get there. I have unbelievably bad directional skills.
Anyways I arrived at the park and was greeted by three of my adorable, loud and excited little cousins. Hugs all round, I really love those kids and I don't get to see them nearly as often as l would like. They grow up so fast :(
First up the giant slide. The three big kids went down first, then I followed with the littlest he's 1 and a half. He hated it and snobed me off for the rest of the day; poor baby.
Then it was on to the castle, where the second youngest decided that the slide was too scary for him.
Next the pirate ship where we locked the kids in the gaol and 'through away the key', unfortunately they escaped.
Our last stop before lunch was the big flying fox the two girls insisted they have a turn, even though the line was sooo long. My cousin took the boys to the little playground while we waited and waited and waited. Half an hour later they had their turns. And then it became clear why I was invited down to the park, to be the 'swing fetcher' (not really, just in case you couldn't sense the sarcasm). I was exhausted and ready for lunch.
Across the road we set up the giant picnic rug on the grass. Seriously this is the biggest picnic rug you've ever seen. We applied sunscreen, and for some of us more of it seemed to get in their hair then on their skin. So cute.
Lunch was good. And the kids had fun chasing the seagulls, and each other. The mums were happy, exhausted kids equals a quiet trip home.
A quick toilet stop, then back to the playground.
One last turn of well everything, we split up and the girls dragged me up the stairs to the giant slide once again. You think I would be fit by the end of this, not the case.
Then onto the swirly slide, and the maze. Then time was up.
Sadly the day was over and it was time for goodbyes :(
Lots of hugs and kisses, I love you's and then goodbye I'll see you soon.
A fantastic day with my cousins, not enough time in the day. The smiling faces of kids having a blast is worth more then gold.
I love you guys. xx
Anyways I arrived at the park and was greeted by three of my adorable, loud and excited little cousins. Hugs all round, I really love those kids and I don't get to see them nearly as often as l would like. They grow up so fast :(
First up the giant slide. The three big kids went down first, then I followed with the littlest he's 1 and a half. He hated it and snobed me off for the rest of the day; poor baby.
Then it was on to the castle, where the second youngest decided that the slide was too scary for him.
Next the pirate ship where we locked the kids in the gaol and 'through away the key', unfortunately they escaped.
Our last stop before lunch was the big flying fox the two girls insisted they have a turn, even though the line was sooo long. My cousin took the boys to the little playground while we waited and waited and waited. Half an hour later they had their turns. And then it became clear why I was invited down to the park, to be the 'swing fetcher' (not really, just in case you couldn't sense the sarcasm). I was exhausted and ready for lunch.
Across the road we set up the giant picnic rug on the grass. Seriously this is the biggest picnic rug you've ever seen. We applied sunscreen, and for some of us more of it seemed to get in their hair then on their skin. So cute.
Lunch was good. And the kids had fun chasing the seagulls, and each other. The mums were happy, exhausted kids equals a quiet trip home.
A quick toilet stop, then back to the playground.
One last turn of well everything, we split up and the girls dragged me up the stairs to the giant slide once again. You think I would be fit by the end of this, not the case.
Then onto the swirly slide, and the maze. Then time was up.
Sadly the day was over and it was time for goodbyes :(
Lots of hugs and kisses, I love you's and then goodbye I'll see you soon.
A fantastic day with my cousins, not enough time in the day. The smiling faces of kids having a blast is worth more then gold.
I love you guys. xx
Thursday, October 8, 2009
but those who wait...
In the last few months nothing has go according to plan... well not according to my plans anyways.
I felt and still feel like I have no direction. Like a lowly drop of rain in the vast ocean. The end of the year is approaching quickly and the second year of my internship will be coming to a close. And I have no idea what I will be doing next year.
My first plan of action was to work as a chaplain naturally (as that is what I am doing in the internship). I applied for job, after job, after job and eventually I got an interview at a small country primary school, it seemed perfect. It was everything I wanted in a 'real job'. Unfortunately I did not get the job. After some disappointment, and some prayer I realised that the amount of responsibility a Christian chaplain has in a non-Christian school far exceeded my expectations and abilities.
So... After a lot of crying, confusion and then eventually prayer, I though I could persue my dream as a child... to be a Veterinarian. My love of animals and of the country seemed to go hand in hand, Dr. Stephanie the country Vet. (has a nice ring to it). On further investigation it was a little harder to get into Vet Science at uni then just applying... I had to take a bridging course and sit a test before I could even apply, and on top of that the course was for 6 years, and I was unsure that I would be willing to sacrifice that 6 years to study. So there goes plan #2.
It wasn't only my career that seemed to be veering from 'my plan', it was all other aspects of my life:
I crashed my car and spent the money I had saved for my new love, a beautiful dapple grey horse on fixing my sad smashed up car. Thanks to a friend it didn't end up costing nearly as much as it coulda/shoulda.
Also I allowed myself to fall for a guy, a charming American who had a passion for Christ, and a common interest in horse riding. It would of all turned out happily ever after... except he went back to America. we kept in contact for a while then one day he stopped, and that's when my heart started to ache. See not only did i loose 'the guy' and a riding partner but I also lost a really good friend.
Amidst all this while a good friend was praying with me, a verse he quoted, one that I had heard countless times before rang true.
But those who wait ...
I had been too concerned with 'but Steph wants now,' I had, and am still sometimes now, looking for the security of the career, the relationships and the things I have now, not focusing on the bigger picture, putting my dependence in God. The Create of the universe, the Knower of all. The One whom if I wait upon Him will give me the strength, endurance and ability to run the race He has set before me.
I felt and still feel like I have no direction. Like a lowly drop of rain in the vast ocean. The end of the year is approaching quickly and the second year of my internship will be coming to a close. And I have no idea what I will be doing next year.
My first plan of action was to work as a chaplain naturally (as that is what I am doing in the internship). I applied for job, after job, after job and eventually I got an interview at a small country primary school, it seemed perfect. It was everything I wanted in a 'real job'. Unfortunately I did not get the job. After some disappointment, and some prayer I realised that the amount of responsibility a Christian chaplain has in a non-Christian school far exceeded my expectations and abilities.
So... After a lot of crying, confusion and then eventually prayer, I though I could persue my dream as a child... to be a Veterinarian. My love of animals and of the country seemed to go hand in hand, Dr. Stephanie the country Vet. (has a nice ring to it). On further investigation it was a little harder to get into Vet Science at uni then just applying... I had to take a bridging course and sit a test before I could even apply, and on top of that the course was for 6 years, and I was unsure that I would be willing to sacrifice that 6 years to study. So there goes plan #2.
It wasn't only my career that seemed to be veering from 'my plan', it was all other aspects of my life:
I crashed my car and spent the money I had saved for my new love, a beautiful dapple grey horse on fixing my sad smashed up car. Thanks to a friend it didn't end up costing nearly as much as it coulda/shoulda.
Also I allowed myself to fall for a guy, a charming American who had a passion for Christ, and a common interest in horse riding. It would of all turned out happily ever after... except he went back to America. we kept in contact for a while then one day he stopped, and that's when my heart started to ache. See not only did i loose 'the guy' and a riding partner but I also lost a really good friend.
Amidst all this while a good friend was praying with me, a verse he quoted, one that I had heard countless times before rang true.
"But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they will rise on wings like eagles,
they will run and not get weary, they will walk and not grow weak."
Isaiah 40:31
they will rise on wings like eagles,
they will run and not get weary, they will walk and not grow weak."
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait ...
I had been too concerned with 'but Steph wants now,' I had, and am still sometimes now, looking for the security of the career, the relationships and the things I have now, not focusing on the bigger picture, putting my dependence in God. The Create of the universe, the Knower of all. The One whom if I wait upon Him will give me the strength, endurance and ability to run the race He has set before me.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord
"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 19:11
I still find it hard not knowing, not been in the drivers seat. (For those who know me, you would know I am a bit of a control freak). But I've taken to praying and waiting on God instead of stressing and sulking about the lostness of control.
I don't know what my future holds but God does, so as He keeps me informed, I'll keep you updated.
"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 19:11
I still find it hard not knowing, not been in the drivers seat. (For those who know me, you would know I am a bit of a control freak). But I've taken to praying and waiting on God instead of stressing and sulking about the lostness of control.
I don't know what my future holds but God does, so as He keeps me informed, I'll keep you updated.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)