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