Reboot rediscipline exchange old for new

Growing up there were things that my parents gave into. When I threw a tantrum, I knew as a child those things would get me what I wanted. I've noticed while growing in a Christian environment that those things that triggered my tantrums rise up in me as an adult, this is where the word of God bubbles over and steps in and I see an image of that young girl throwing her tantrum and it's up to me to discipline her now. I literally tell myself to stop being silly. My parents did an amorable job of raising me but God has now shown me the way I should behave in certain situations. Being non reactive at times when something someone else does has ticked me off. What is the real reason for this feeling? Its time to assess, make a decisive disciplinary action and follow through on it. Being consistant.

Sometimes I wonder if it would be a benefit for me to read the books on discipling a difficult child and apply it to myself. Can I be like the super nanny and put myself in timeout for my age appropriate time - at this point in my life a 35 minute sit down to think about my behaviour, just a bit of soul searching and spending time with the holy spirit - to come to a thourough understanding of how my actions have affected the people around me. And then apologising for my behaviour to that person straight away. I believe my life would be a lot simpler.

Just a thought that has been sitting with me today ..... Allowing God into absolutely every area of my life without any reservation. How do I glorify God at work? How do I glorify God at my school, at my church, at my youth meetings, It's a trust issue and there are stacks of scriptures that point us in the right direction. Get into the word and really get to know your God, he is the most amazing God whom loves us unconditionally.

What does the world see a picture of when they see me? I hope Jesus.

Love

Maria Matthews

From Cathy

1 John 3:2 NIV

'Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.'

I was thinking about this scripture the other morning when I was watching my baby granddaughter, Breanna. She is eight weeks old and learning to laugh. It sounds weird, that we actually have to learn how to laugh, but apparently it's very important for babies to see lots of facial expressions, including laughter and speech, because they need to mirror them.

Looking at Bre, I see so much of her mother, bits of her father and sisters, even glimpses of myself and my Dad, who is no longer alive. She is a unique and exquisite compilation of multitudes of people who have loved, lived and worked hard to give her a heritage.

God alone knows what she will do and be as she grows, but I feel the joy of her life and know that it will be very blessed. Of course, this is the desire of every parent and grandparent, for their children to be blessed and successful.

Which brings me back to 1 John 3:2. Next time you feel anxious about your future, or discontented with your life, next time you ask the question "What am I doing with my life?" remember who you are. God's daughter! His darling child! Know that you also, are uniquely made to reflect the beauty of countless people who have passed on a great legacy to you, and most importantly, His image is ever present in every part of you.

It could be time to make an appointment with Him, for some quality Father/Daughter time, and check out His smile. And His laughter! Because we are still learning to smile and laugh at each day,by watching His face

I look forward to seeing more of Him in beautiful you.

Love

Cathy Murray

From Rachael

A few months ago I joined the gym. I am really loving it and enjoying it, especially as I am starting to see some results.

At the gym in my classes they really focus on your legs, butt, arms, abs and getting fit. At times when you are spending what feels like a lifetime focused on one body area it can really start to hurt and be quite painful. When I am in the class I really feel like giving up and lying on the floor to recover.

The class instructor she really pushes and encourages you to not give up, because she can see what that pain is doing for your body. It is toning, strengthening and building muscle. Plus when I look at her I think hmmmm if I keep doing this eventually I may have a body like her…

I guess that is like a relationship with Jesus. He sees areas in our lives that need toning up that need to be focused on and surrendered to Him. Areas for example: bad attitude, anger, reacting, laziness, pride etc.

He sees these areas and like a coach wants to focus on them because He knows that those things are not great for our walk and relationship with Him. He wants to see us walking in wholeness, strength and victory. For a time it may really be painful and hard as you are changing and working on your sinful nature, but in the end we have the most amazing result and that is to become more and more like Christ. That should be our goal to be reflecting Him in all we do.

Today what is the area is God wanting to change in your life. What area will you allow Him to?

Philippians 3:12-14 (The Message)

12-14 I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

Love Rachael I'Anson

Point Pastor, Macquarie

Impacting the others in our world

Hi Gorgeous Girl,

I was wondering what January has represented to you so far? Did you make midnight 09 to welcome in the New Year? We not only celebrated a new year, but also a new decade with incredible possibilities that lie before us. It's a new clean page of life yet to be coloured in by your activities.

I would love to encourage you to be intentional with a plan and dream to be fulfilled for 2010. Habakkuk 2:2-3 says 'write the vision and make it plain on tablets. That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time.' Stay on purpose that you will be able to look back with great satisfaction!

So far this year has represented school holidays, beach, picnics, many barbeques, shopping, walking, family time, movies and much more. Now we get down to business, with school holidays finishing.

Let's embrace this year as one who will impact the others in our world. There is nothing more rewarding than touching someone's life for Jesus or having a generous heart to those in need. I never have to look far in Sydney to find someone in that category. No doubt your neighbourhood is the same. Our destiny for the year is always intertwined with the others who need our love support and compassion.

I have been blessed with a new arrival, my first grandaughter Eden Jayde and she is a gorgeous gift from God for us. A great start for my 2010!! I never stop appreciating the generational factor of life and it's capacity to keep you looking to the future whilst celebrating the achievements of the past.

Plan now to come to 4her Conference. This year we have exceptional speakers, Ps Alex Seeley, Ps Russell Evans, Ps Karolina Gunnser and heaps more.

I look forward to connecting with you many times throughout 2010 and remember, Gods grace is abounding to you for every situation you face,

Much love and blessings,

Tricia McDonald

4her

Welcome to the 4her Sydney COC blog, where you'll hear from the amazing pastors and leaders of 4her Sydney Christian Outreach Centre.

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