Justice...

The work of justice is not simply the work of politicians and governments, nor is it the exclusive domain of activists and humanitarians: it is a vital project to which we are ALL summoned. To paraphrase the prophet Micah, if you want to know what God really requires of all humanity, start with doing justice. Brian McLaren

"...He's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously - take God seriously..." Micah 6:8 [The Message]

Spectacular...

"the works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them" psalm 111:2

These shots were taken outside our house just the other morning... it's the tiny things you would otherwise miss on warmer mornings than these, but the dew droplets forming on the spiders webs in our front yard was something else. Take a look.

Today...

Today I reminded myself that I was going to expect the miraculous, and live in an atmosphere of faith at home with my little ones.

While I write this there's (yet) been no great white lights, no booming word from the skies, but just simple, everyday tiny miracles, the type that cement your heart to another...

A very sleepy little soul - first shot in the morning :)

Ah, my 4 year old has discovered sticky notes. This says 'Eve'. Stuck to the baby.

Precious little bites of handwritten love from my 4yo to mummy, stuck to the fridge door

A lovely momento from this morning's coffee date with a beautiful friend: a wristband with 'food + family + friends' on the side, delivered on the side of my latte glass! Brilliant and poignant!

What were your lovely heart memories, those tiny miracles as part of your day today?

Growth...

Get an appetite for challenges, because the answer often is in the problem…

I'm coming out of this...

Today has been a great day. My husband does kinder drop off for my 4yo so I can grab some time with my two little ones, 2 and 6 months.

A friend was over and we shared an amazing time of prayer at the kitchen bench. We talked of the great things of God in our lives and where He is drawing us into: a place of greater love, greater fellowship, greater influence. Our God is ever expanding us, not reducing us. It was so encouraging to spend time with another faithful woman of God, imagining the possibilities of what He can do through the power of one surrendered life.

And then I found this : psalm 68:8 says 

"He (God) BRINGS OUT the bound into prosperity".

I have been so bound. Bound by smallness in thinking, relationships, love and grace. But His promise is that He will lead us out of that and give us riches in exchange.. Riches in relationships, strength, faith, thinking, growth, love... To reduce riches to just finances is to reduce our thinking of what good gifts God has for us.

Im coming out of a season of being bound to being prosperous. But it's never alone. Who's joining me? 

Manner of life

"...But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith..."

2 Tim 3:10

As i was reading through this scripture the phrase "Manner of life" struck me. I'm currently teaching my 4yo the gentle art of table etiquette - simple manners, if you please - and its not easy. Its repetitive, sometimes frustrating, but in the end, I'm hoping at least, that she will have an appreciation, and act upon, common courtesy and manners at the dinner table.

Paul is imploring Timothy to continue the very work that he himself had given his best years for, his absolute all towards; advancing the message of christ in his generation, to bless the next. I could imagine this would have been an incredibly emotionally charged letter, as Paul was basically saying goodbye towards the end of his life.

Life. Not just at the dinner table. Not just on sunday. Not just at small group. Not just when its convenient.

Life. How you act, think, respond, your priorities, your focus. How you relate. Your character. Your pain. Your good days and your bad.

Woman of God, are you part of regular fellowship with likeminded believers? Are you putting your life out there for others to follow? Are you seeking another woman who's manner of life you attain to follow? If not, ask the lord to provide someone to mentor you or simply ask questions of.

Woman of God, you and I are called to extend love to others that is sacrificial, that will require involvement, pain and long-suffering, expand our experiences with others so God can shape, change and mould us all into the amazing, strong women we are called to be.

True discipleship, the act of loving sacrificially and serving one another, is where the church is at her beautiful best.

What we had for dinner tonight...

Thai chicken curry

SERVES 4 PREPARATION TIME 20 mins COOKING TIME 20 mins

Ingredients

1 tbsp plain flour

Ÿ 800g chicken breast fillets, cut into 2cm cubes

Ÿ 2 tbsp canola oil

Ÿ 6 spring onions, finely sliced

Ÿ 150g button mushrooms, sliced

Ÿ 4 tbsp Ayam Brand Thai green curry paste

Ÿ 400ml can coconut cream

Ÿ ½ cup frozen peas

Ÿ Grated rind and juice of 1 lime

Ÿ 2 cups Basmati Rice

Ÿ Garlic Pappadums

Ÿ Naan Bread

Method

1. Season the flour with salt and pepper. Toss chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, then shake off excess.

2. Heat oil in a large frypan over high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Add spring onions and mushrooms and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add the curry paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute, then add the coconut cream, peas, lime juice and rind. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Serve with Basmati Rice, Naan Bread and Pappadams.

Note This recipe did specify 2 kaffir lime leaves (can be found at Safeway) as well as 2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander (added step 3 with other ingredients, then removed once simmered for 5 mins), which I did not include when I made the dish. And it was also originally a pie dish, however when it was made, we deemed it too spicy for a pie and served it with freshly made rice, pappadams and naan bread. Yum!!!

Proverbs 12:18 (New International Version)

 ¹⁸ Reckless words pierce like a sword, 
       but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Cultivating Home: My unscientific way of reading the Bible

A wonderful and thought-provoking post on reading the bible for all of us stay at home mothers, and finding daily inspiration, motivation and encouragement in doing so, for ourselves, our children and families. Beautifully written.

Cultivating Home: My unscientific way of reading the Bible: "If you are a sinner, like me, relying on our own guidance to get us through each day is not an pleasant option. God's Word to me is so much. I don't pick up my Bible in the quiet of each morning because of guilt or unseen obligation but because it is life and breath of my day. Keeping God's words settled in my mind and heart from the start of each day is what gives me strength as a mother. I think this is what people sense when they comment to me that I 'must have a special gift to raise children'. It's no special, only for Hannah thing, its the life and breath and sustenance available to any believer or unbeliever for what God has called you to do - and so I find myself gritting my teeth to bare comments like that one. Meditating, or keeping near in my mind, the words of strength and life of God is such an empowering, peace bringing thing."

Why I love baking...

freshly baked banana and chocolate, chocolate brownie, banana and apple muffins

There's something so comforting in the knowledge of tradition when it comes to family. I love the ritual of eating together - as family, with friends, new and old. I love the way the simple act of breaking bread together seals friendships, allows relaxation and quality time with loved ones.

While my children are small my desire is to impart into their lives this love for creating, cooking and sharing which will serve them well in the years to come - as they grow, marry and
one day- run households of their own. I also like to think of our family dinner times as periods of gentle instruction in the arts of manners and conversation, of being social.

As I look back through my family history I am beginning to discover a pattern - a long line of women who enjoyed, delighted and excelled on the fine art of hospitality; from running guest houses to lengthy after-church luncheons on Saturday afternoons. They lived in a world where strangers were welcomed, new friends were made over the table in the course of a meal. Nowadays, in our modern society we are far richer than we've ever been, yet relationally we've become more umpoverished than ever, as we hide behind our tall fences and four walls - even from our next door neighbours.

freshly baked cinnamon donuts for brunch

Well, I'm on a mission ; to bring back the simple notion of having an open heart, open home and bustling kitchen, to serve family, friends and neighbours. Where loved ones gather in anticipation of a delicious and nourishing meal, bonding, discovering, relaxing and enjoying time together.

Will you join me?