Today

So today was a bit on the crap side.

Just one of those days with one thing effecting you after another! Meanwhile I am consciously aware that with each situation that comes my way I know I am the only one who can choose how I will respond. It's a challenge some times... automatically feeling a certain way- disappointed, anger, loneliness or whatever it is, and then knowing that God is more often than not calling you to respond differently...!

I went to worship practice tonight and appreciated these words...

I know that my Redeemer lives,

And now I stand on what he did

My Saviour, My Saviour lives

Every day a brand new chance to say

Jesus- You are the only way

My Saviour, My Saviour lives

It's reassuring that from one day to the next, no matter what type of day I've had, I have the privileged opportunity to stand in relationship with the Redeemer who lives. Every week, every day, in whatever situation, conversation, thought process in my head...I have a brand new chance to declare Jesus and seek His answers for my never ending questions!

Love x

103.2 for Operation Hope!

On Wednesday, 12 August breakfast radio host, Dan Widdowson from Sydney’s premier Christian radio station, Hope 103.2FM will attempt to complete a 85.7 kilometre walk in under 48 hours to raise funds for Wesley Mission’s youth and recreational services, in particular the Operation Hope program.

The fundraising walk kicks off in Gosford on the Central Coast with an outdoor live-to-air broadcast of the breakfast show on Hope 103.2FM from 6 – 9 am. From there Dan and two walking companions will set out on foot for approximately eight hours, aiming to traverse the 37.4 kilometres south to Brooklyn before nightfall.

Dan and the team will hit the pavement at 8am on Thursday, 13 August with their sights set on reaching Pennant Hills that evening with 34.5 kilometres (about seven and a half hours of walking) under their belt.

On Friday, 14 August they will make tracks at 4.30am with only 13.8 kilometres to complete before arriving at Hope 103.2FM’s studio at Seven Hills by 8am. Here they will be greeted by supporters, family and friends with a breakfast barbeque and the weary Dan will take a well-earned seat as he joins his co-host, Aaron, on the breakfast show. Wesley Mission’s CEO, the Rev Keith Garner will be there to meet the walkers and be interviewed on the breakfast show.

Operation Hope Walk Schedule
Day 1: Gosford to BrooklynDistance: 37.4 kilometresWalking time: 7 hours 58 minutes
• 6 – 9am, Outside broadcast at William St outdoor plaza, off Mann St, Gosford
• 9am – 5:30pm, Dan walks from Gosford to Brooklyn via old Pacific Highway.
• 5:30pm, Arrive at accommodation on Brooklyn Rd.

Day 2: Brooklyn to Pennant HillsDistance: 34.5 kilometresWalking time: 7 hours, 22 minutes
• 8am - 4:30pm, Depart and walk to accommodation on Castle Hill Rd.

Day 3: Pennant Hills to Seven HillsDistance: 13.8 kilometresWalking time: 2 hours 50 mins
• 4:30am, Depart accommodation on Castle Hill Rd.
• 7:00am Outside broadcast begins @ Hope 103.2FM station, 2 Leabons Lane, Seven Hills.
• 8:00am Dan arrives at Seven Hills

What is Operation Hope??

Operation Hope is a sponsorship program which seeks to build self esteem, heighten self worth and encourage children to believe in themselves.
Through participation in outdoor adventure-based activities, team building experiences and other life-changing programs children are validated and affirmed as individuals who are valued and have a purpose.
Operation Hope also sponsors children and families to attend camps at Wesley Mission’s recreation centre Vision Valley.
Some children are physically or intellectually disabled. Others have witnessed domestic violence, or experienced abuse, neglect or family breakdown. Many are orphans or foster children unable to live with their parents. They are all at risk of drifting into anti-social behaviour such as taking drugs, binge drinking, engaging in petty crime – some are even homeless.

Through Operation Hope sponsored programs Wesley Mission hopes to break the cycle of hopelessness and steer these young people towards a life of purpose.

For more information go to : www.operationhope.com.au or if you're interested in leading at one of these camps, shoot me an email at nat.owen@wesleymission.org.au

To become wise...

So it takes 17 readings to write 2 036 words, a social life sacrificed for a week and a half to get to this...

Jesus Christ sent to die on a wooden cross for the salvation of mankind is God's wisdom revealed.

We become wise when we understand the power involved in this and take on board this revelation. 

If you want to become wiser, become more like Jesus!

So simple haha....

Next essay: Apocalyptic literature...yeeeeiw

Over and out x

You want to change the world?

"I see an enthusiastic passionate group of people IN revival with the potential to change the world, but, I also see a group of people who are publicly passionate, but privately do not have the required devotion."

- Robert Ferguson

In my own life, sadly this is evidently true! I know I'm only at my best and on a totally different playing field when I've surrendered some time in the morning, sacrificed a sleep in maybe, to get up and prioritise my day with a quiet time just God and I! 

The beauty I find in Quiet times... you can do it anytime and anywhere. I usually refer to them as my little dates with God, sometimes we go down into the bush and sit by little waterfalls, other times we drive to the beach. Other times we sit and ponder at local look outs. And other times...I sit by the fire, or in my car or in my bed with journal. You do whatever you enjoy... because truth is... He enjoys it too!

You want to change the world? Well.. You know where to start...

5:45 wake up call

It's 5:45 am. I'm snuggled nicely. "Nat- you coming?"

The doona's off. Freezing. Mum's already on her way. I get changed as quickly as possible. Hands are shaking. Off to the toilet. Headphones in. Brace myself. Open the front door...NOW it's freezing.

One step out and I'm running. My mum had a head start and it's my goal to catch her. She walks, I run. Only thing is... she walks at the speed of light. Change the song. Turn up my Jesus music. It's dark, the stars are still out. I'm in a world of my own. My step's are steady in motion. 

I'm running the race. My day is now set in motion. Something catches my eye to the left. A stunning white single rose in full bloom. Massive. In the middle of heaps of twigs and brown bush. I want to be that rose. I want to stand out with an inner beauty...not by doing anything spectacular. But just by being who I was created to be.

The race is still on. I haven't stopped yet. Half way up the hill and I spot my target. Yeeeew! Run harder. Steady breaths. It's hurting- keep persisting. Damn she walks fast. 

Caught. Not my PB. But still good. We keep trekking on. A smile on my face.

Each morning puts my day in perspective: I get up early not just for exercise. But with a deeper intention. My mum's salvation means everything to me. As i physically walk with mum at early hours of the morning, I am reminded of my purpose. Each morning I still wake up to many of my close family and friends facing an eternity without God. My heart, focus, prayers get aligned with God and I set out into the day ready to be His hands, feet and mouth. My mum and I walk together physically but spiritually there is something much more powerful going on.

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

What am I learning?

1 Cor 18- 31- a few summary points as I read for my assignment.

- Paul touches on many different issues in his letters to the Corinthians, however the main point he seeks to get through to his readers is this- the wisdom of the cross!

- The Corinthians are caught up in superiority, self-pride and self-satisfaction. They looked for signs, miracles & were caught up in 'earthly wisdom'. Consumed by this they failed to grasp the wisdom and miraculous sign that was displayed to them through Jesus Christ.

- It was an absurdity and an offence that the 'long awaited Saviour' would be crucified on a cross- it was seen that those hung were cursed by God. A contradiction indeed- it is in fact the crucification that lies at the very centre of our Christian faith. 

- Paul's conjunction of power & wisdom in verse 24 is important to note. If wisdom was the only way through to God, the 'intellectually gifted' would be the only ones with access. However, it is the power of the cross that opens the way for anyone to overcome evil and access His Kingdom. This wisdom is far more superior to any 'earthly wisdom' spoken of.

Jesus Christ= God's wisdom

Nat Owen= a lowly sinner bought into a new life in Jesus.

Nat Owen= is still discovering 'God's wisdom'.

Nat Owen= called by God, chosen by Him.

Nat Owen= is a work in progress...