Just watched a really good movie last night called The Perfect Game. It is about the first Mexican Little League team, and it is a great one. You will have to get the movie out from the video store or somehow... because it is a great family movie. Good for all ages and brings up good issues like racism, putting God first, and working as a team.... and has a cute as team of kids. :)
Saturday, 24 March 2012
Thursday, 22 March 2012
What is worthwhile to me?
I was just having a discussion about an a movie that has just come out with someone from my church, and I made the comment that that kind of thing wasn't worthwhile to me. And now I am thinking... what is worthwhile to me?
I didn't want to comment on their thing otherwise it would seem that I was being all high-and-mighty, which people can often think when I get annoyed with what others are doing when they should be doing the good things in life. But I can write it here.
What is worthwhile to me?
Knowing that I am doing my part to reduce poverty. Helping other people. Telling people about God and the Bible... the truth, in other words. Encouraging others to focus on God and let the other things fall away. Preparing for my life beyond being a teenager. Spending time alone with God and learning to hear His voice.
To be honest, there are a lot of things that are worthwhile to me, and seeing secular movies at the theater have recently dropped off the list. But if the comment about the new movie had been made a couple of years ago, I would have joined in with the excitement. Now I just feel a little cut off from my generation as they go in their worthless direction of consumerism, and I try to go the other way. If you want to follow the way I am going... or even are already going that way... let me know. Encouragement every once in a while is nice. :)
I didn't want to comment on their thing otherwise it would seem that I was being all high-and-mighty, which people can often think when I get annoyed with what others are doing when they should be doing the good things in life. But I can write it here.
What is worthwhile to me?
Knowing that I am doing my part to reduce poverty. Helping other people. Telling people about God and the Bible... the truth, in other words. Encouraging others to focus on God and let the other things fall away. Preparing for my life beyond being a teenager. Spending time alone with God and learning to hear His voice.
To be honest, there are a lot of things that are worthwhile to me, and seeing secular movies at the theater have recently dropped off the list. But if the comment about the new movie had been made a couple of years ago, I would have joined in with the excitement. Now I just feel a little cut off from my generation as they go in their worthless direction of consumerism, and I try to go the other way. If you want to follow the way I am going... or even are already going that way... let me know. Encouragement every once in a while is nice. :)
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Encouraging News
Some exciting news I have to share.
Last night I got home from youth group and went on the computer to check my emails. I noticed that there is one from the fundraising site, with the subject title telling me there was a donation. I opened the email and wow... I was shocked! Someone had donated $1,700.00 to OAI through my fundraising page!
Wow.....
Praise God is all I can say. He is so good to make someones heart so generous. I have a couple of ideas as to who it could be... but I don't mind leaving whoever it was anonymous. I don't have a huge idea who it is though, so it could be anyone. Either way, if you are reading this... thank you very much. And let this be an encouragement to those other people out there... it doesn't matter how big or small you give as long as you know it is the amount God wants you to give.
Love,
Ruby.
Last night I got home from youth group and went on the computer to check my emails. I noticed that there is one from the fundraising site, with the subject title telling me there was a donation. I opened the email and wow... I was shocked! Someone had donated $1,700.00 to OAI through my fundraising page!
Wow.....
Praise God is all I can say. He is so good to make someones heart so generous. I have a couple of ideas as to who it could be... but I don't mind leaving whoever it was anonymous. I don't have a huge idea who it is though, so it could be anyone. Either way, if you are reading this... thank you very much. And let this be an encouragement to those other people out there... it doesn't matter how big or small you give as long as you know it is the amount God wants you to give.
Love,
Ruby.
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
James: It is Finished
Wondering about the title of my blog? Let me explain...
Over the past few weeks (from the 28th of February until today's date of March 20) I have been memorizing the book of James. And today I finished it! I am really excited about this, because now I can rememorize it (to reaffirm it in my mind so that I don't forget the truth I have read) and move onto memorizing another book of the Bible. Any suggestions?
In 2010-2011 I memorized 1 Timothy, 2 John, and 3 John, but the main reason I wanted to memorize them was to be able to say, "Look at me, I just memorized three books of the Bible." That is not at all the right attitude to have. Now I have a different reason to memorize it... because I want to have God's Word in my heart to take it with me where I go in life.
And a plus side of memorizing things is that it opens up your memory. It has been helping make learning my Russian easier, that I am sure of. But the main reason that my Russian is going good is because God is helping me do it and cause I have a reason and a goal I am working towards.
До свидания
Love, Ruby.
Over the past few weeks (from the 28th of February until today's date of March 20) I have been memorizing the book of James. And today I finished it! I am really excited about this, because now I can rememorize it (to reaffirm it in my mind so that I don't forget the truth I have read) and move onto memorizing another book of the Bible. Any suggestions?
In 2010-2011 I memorized 1 Timothy, 2 John, and 3 John, but the main reason I wanted to memorize them was to be able to say, "Look at me, I just memorized three books of the Bible." That is not at all the right attitude to have. Now I have a different reason to memorize it... because I want to have God's Word in my heart to take it with me where I go in life.
And a plus side of memorizing things is that it opens up your memory. It has been helping make learning my Russian easier, that I am sure of. But the main reason that my Russian is going good is because God is helping me do it and cause I have a reason and a goal I am working towards.
Life with God is an adventure.
До свидания
Love, Ruby.
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Some Exciting News!
здравствуй
Wow, I have some exciting news. Orphans Aid International (a lady named R, who Sue had asked to ring me so we could discuss fundraising ideas, etc) rang me this afternoon. We chatted about some interesting things, and then R brought up the exciting news. "Sue wanted me to tell you that next year there is a trip to Russia for one of the centers camps." I was a bit shocked. "Am I aloud to go over with them?" I asked, not sure whether that was what she was meaning or not. "I am pretty sure that's what Sue meant when she said it," she replied.
Спасибо, Бог.
Mum suggested today that I should be journalling all these exciting things that God is doing in my life. I think she is right. I am writing it down in different books, etc, but I think I need a set book: "Journey to Russia" or something along those lines.
My learning of Russian is going well. I am able to pick up words the guy the Russian channel (we get Russia Today on our TV) is saying. Like "Thank you," and "Good-bye."
Please keep praying for me so that you can join in on the exciting things God is doing.
Love,
Ruby.
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Ever heard of Facebook? Well... I recently started sharing one with my mother. That may sound awkward, but apart from the obvious reason to safe-guard me a little from all the guys who asked if I had a Facebook, it was convenient since Mum had one but couldn't be bothered keeping up to date with it, and I couldn't be bothered making one, but was all right with looking after hers.
Anyway, now I am on Facebook like every day. In the beginning it was really taking up my time, but now I am cutting back on it a bit and just going on once I have completed a good amount of tasks in the day.
Facebook is good for keeping in touch with friends I have made from work when they move on.
Question of the week: Are you obsessed with Facebook?
Anyway, now I am on Facebook like every day. In the beginning it was really taking up my time, but now I am cutting back on it a bit and just going on once I have completed a good amount of tasks in the day.
Facebook is good for keeping in touch with friends I have made from work when they move on.
Question of the week: Are you obsessed with Facebook?
Friday, 24 February 2012
Long time, no type
I know I haven't written in a while. Life has been reasonably busy with starting back at school (especially since this is my last year, yay!), babysitting at least once a week, trying to stay on top of my emotions (which is hard, but I am getting better at it), and numerous other things. Bibles in Schools is starting back in a couple of weeks so things will get even busier!
I have found an accountability partner, though, which is great. Her name is Mum, and she is my mother. Some people probably wouldn't want to have one of their parents as their accountability partner, but I guess I am not like most people. I know that Mum is the one (apart from Dad) who cares the most about me and who has the highest expectations of me. She believes that I have a purpose in life, and she does not want me to be any less than the person God has created me to be. And that is what I need (among other things) from my accountability partner.
Keeping on top of my emotions. That has been made easier by spending alone time with God each day. Not easier, I mean, but has made it... better. Life is not easy with God, but I have Him to help me which makes the burden of my emotions lighter.
Over about the last month (or half a month) I have been learning the importance of praying. Not just for in general things, but for specific things I want and expect to see happen. So I have been setting aside a few minutes in the morning, middle of the day, and at night each day to pray about things. Some of things I pray for are these: evolution to stop being taught as fact in schools in my town (ad throughout NZ), the child abandonment statistics in Russia to drop significantly, for my future husband (if he exists, which I am still not sure about), my unsaved friends to hear and fully understand the Gospel message and God to draw them into Himself, etc. Some of those things may seem random or unlikely to happen, but I want to see my world and community change for the better, and I am prepared to pray for those things and see them happen.
Love,
Ruby.
I have found an accountability partner, though, which is great. Her name is Mum, and she is my mother. Some people probably wouldn't want to have one of their parents as their accountability partner, but I guess I am not like most people. I know that Mum is the one (apart from Dad) who cares the most about me and who has the highest expectations of me. She believes that I have a purpose in life, and she does not want me to be any less than the person God has created me to be. And that is what I need (among other things) from my accountability partner.
Keeping on top of my emotions. That has been made easier by spending alone time with God each day. Not easier, I mean, but has made it... better. Life is not easy with God, but I have Him to help me which makes the burden of my emotions lighter.
Over about the last month (or half a month) I have been learning the importance of praying. Not just for in general things, but for specific things I want and expect to see happen. So I have been setting aside a few minutes in the morning, middle of the day, and at night each day to pray about things. Some of things I pray for are these: evolution to stop being taught as fact in schools in my town (ad throughout NZ), the child abandonment statistics in Russia to drop significantly, for my future husband (if he exists, which I am still not sure about), my unsaved friends to hear and fully understand the Gospel message and God to draw them into Himself, etc. Some of those things may seem random or unlikely to happen, but I want to see my world and community change for the better, and I am prepared to pray for those things and see them happen.
Love,
Ruby.
Monday, 6 February 2012
Church Camp in Kaiteriteri
We just got back from a church camp in Kaiteriteri (which is a beach town about two and a half (I think) hours away from us. A good drive, anyway.) yesterday. It was a great time over the long weekend (Monday was Waitangi Day.)
On Friday most people arrived and set up their tents. The rest of the day was spent hanging around. On Saturday the day was spent hanging around, going to the beach, greeting others who had just arrived, and then in the evening there was an outdoor showing of the movie :Facing the Giants. The awesome thing was that just after the movie equipment had been packed away after it was shown, the rain fell down. So everything was all safe by the time it rained.
Sunday was a rainy day. Some went to town while others hung around the campground. In the afternoon there was a sand sculpture building competition with a Bible theme. Me, Mum, and Sarah made John the Baptists head on a plate, and a cross near that, with the words "For this reason I die" written in white shells above the two sand sculptures. Other castles or sculptures included: Jonah in the whale (with a guy playing Jonah and sand sculpted into a whale form around him), Joshua and the city of Jericho, the mans house who was built on the sand, a behemoth, the fishermen and boat with the net that caught all the fish when they put it on the side where Jesus said to fish, Noah ark, a mini Noah's ark on top of the mountain where it landed, and a couple of other things.
Then on Monday in the morning it was a bit rainy and everyone rushed to pack up their tents and get on the road home. It was a good time the church camp. :)
On Friday most people arrived and set up their tents. The rest of the day was spent hanging around. On Saturday the day was spent hanging around, going to the beach, greeting others who had just arrived, and then in the evening there was an outdoor showing of the movie :Facing the Giants. The awesome thing was that just after the movie equipment had been packed away after it was shown, the rain fell down. So everything was all safe by the time it rained.
Sunday was a rainy day. Some went to town while others hung around the campground. In the afternoon there was a sand sculpture building competition with a Bible theme. Me, Mum, and Sarah made John the Baptists head on a plate, and a cross near that, with the words "For this reason I die" written in white shells above the two sand sculptures. Other castles or sculptures included: Jonah in the whale (with a guy playing Jonah and sand sculpted into a whale form around him), Joshua and the city of Jericho, the mans house who was built on the sand, a behemoth, the fishermen and boat with the net that caught all the fish when they put it on the side where Jesus said to fish, Noah ark, a mini Noah's ark on top of the mountain where it landed, and a couple of other things.
Then on Monday in the morning it was a bit rainy and everyone rushed to pack up their tents and get on the road home. It was a good time the church camp. :)
Friday, 27 January 2012
Rhythms of Grace
On Hillsong United 's CD "Aftermath" they have a song called Rhythms of Grace. We play it in my church, but haven't been able to capture the awesomeness that is on the CD. This song is just great.
I have just been thinking about the lyrics.
"My life is a life for your cause, my will laid aside for you call." What do these words mean? When we sing these words, we are saying to God that we give up our lives to Him. That will lay aside whatever we might have planned for our lives and say that we will follow God's call.
"And reserved are the depths of my heart, only for You." We are telling God that we have reserved the deepest, most precious part of our heart for Him. That other parts of ourselves we will give away to others as we love them, but there is a part of us that is only God's and no one elses.
I recommend that you read the rest of the lyrics of this great song and think about what we are singing. We say we are giving our lives up to God when we sing thing song... so the real question is this: are we liars, or do we do what we say (or sing)? I put that question to you. Many people will sing about following God, but there are few whose lives reflect the songs they sing.
I have just been thinking about the lyrics.
"My life is a life for your cause, my will laid aside for you call." What do these words mean? When we sing these words, we are saying to God that we give up our lives to Him. That will lay aside whatever we might have planned for our lives and say that we will follow God's call.
"And reserved are the depths of my heart, only for You." We are telling God that we have reserved the deepest, most precious part of our heart for Him. That other parts of ourselves we will give away to others as we love them, but there is a part of us that is only God's and no one elses.
I recommend that you read the rest of the lyrics of this great song and think about what we are singing. We say we are giving our lives up to God when we sing thing song... so the real question is this: are we liars, or do we do what we say (or sing)? I put that question to you. Many people will sing about following God, but there are few whose lives reflect the songs they sing.
Monday, 23 January 2012
Here is my life mission statement
Last night God showed me the passage of Scripture that is going to become my mission statement.
Taken from 1 Timothy 4:12-16, and modified slightly for me:
"I will not let anyone look down on me because I am young, but I will set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I go to Russia, I will devote myself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. I will not neglect my gift, which was given me through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on me. I will be diligent in these manners; giving myself wholly to them, so that everyone may see my progress. I will watch my life and doctrine closely. I will persevere in them, because if I do, I will save both myself and my hearers."
And that is how it goes. I think it is good for everyone... so the thing is, how are we going to live out this statement. Give this blog a comment to let me know how you are living your life to these standards. :)
Taken from 1 Timothy 4:12-16, and modified slightly for me:
"I will not let anyone look down on me because I am young, but I will set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I go to Russia, I will devote myself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. I will not neglect my gift, which was given me through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on me. I will be diligent in these manners; giving myself wholly to them, so that everyone may see my progress. I will watch my life and doctrine closely. I will persevere in them, because if I do, I will save both myself and my hearers."
And that is how it goes. I think it is good for everyone... so the thing is, how are we going to live out this statement. Give this blog a comment to let me know how you are living your life to these standards. :)
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