Merry Christmas!

May the birth of our king make you rejoice, for he has done wonderious things for us.

He is our 

Prophet - burial spice - Myrrh

Priest - offing incense to God - Frankincense

And

King - a gift sutible for a king - Gold

See how perfect these gifts were for our Saviour.

God's might

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains slip into the heart if the sea,

though it's water roar and foam

and the mountains quake at its swelling pride.

Psalm 46:1-3

We have such a mighty strong God and I think we often forget that fact. Only remembering it when something out of the ordinary happens. I feel that last week that something happened, not once but many a times. I feel like I had taken for granted the ground under my feet, the firmness of it. It's made me think of how much I don't thank God for what He gives me or even if I do, not often enough. He has given us stability in life. That we only tend to remember when the ground beneath us begins to shake, when plans don't go right. We forget and our trust is shaken when we do go through a time when the foundation is shaken.
The last few months have been really hard for me, I lost my footing you could say and have struggled to trust and rest in God's perfect plan and timing. With going through a job trial in which you got treated like dirt and coming away with still no work and feeling like you are not good enough is hard. I feel like I lost who I was, yet after the earthquakes I once more have been shaken to realization that God's in control, His way is perfect. To sit and be with family as the world around stopped me from the affects of the earthquakes and then the floods, it made me be able to have joy and laughter in the small things.
It's amazing how God uses advents around us to help us through things and how often the same advents affect everyone so differently. To help a town or country come closer together. Maybe a family to. We see a community form to help one another. Just as Jesus called us to do. To help those in need.
Our God is such a great God!
He is the giver of family and friends, church and communion with Him. He is God in which we have Perseverance of the saints.


And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope doesn't disappoint, became the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given us.
Romans 5:3-5

A God who hears

O dear Lord

Hear our prayer

Answer us great king

For you are compassionate

We cry to you

For we know you hear

Answer us now

Give us wisdom from above

Strength for every trial

Grace to show forth always

O Lord help us in our need

Give us trust in you

That in the timed

When you say no

We may think

Your plans are best

Give us patience

When you say to wait

And Thanksgiving

When the answers yes.

JH

30-10-16

Child of God

You are an amazing child of God

A child of God you are

I see it in you

You shine like a light

In the way you do things

It has to be God's way

You look for Christ in others

It makes me smile so bright

It makes me love you

For Christ loved us first

My prayer for you is this

That all of life's days

You may grow in your love for God

Life hasn't always been easy

Yet you always seek our God

There in the hard days

You see God's hand on you

You laugh because in Christ you have joy

I rejoice with you

For He is in me to

You are loved

My sister

My brother

JH

5-11-16

Psalm 133

Behold, how good and pleasant it is
    when brothers dwell in unity![a]
2 It is like the precious oil on the head,
    running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
    running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
    which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
    life forevermore.

Blessed days

Life is full of busy days, I think we all know what it's like to be busy. I feel terrible for not posting anything in a while. I really don't have any excuse either. 

God has been so good to me over these last few months with dear visits from my special Jamie.

Jamie you are way better than me at being patient when it comes to flipping picklets, but then again you were mighty distracted by a certain someone!

6-8-16

Sitting in the old port board meeting room 

and trying to look posh, think I failed. 

8-8-16

5-8 August we spent a lot of time in Wellington doing a few sight seeing thing's and having our first dinner date, which was super special for both of us. 

I totally (Do Not) rock overalls!

18-8-16

Or maybe I do....

18-8-16

Jamie, a warrior of God's army!

20-8-16

Matching!

Bible world in Rotorua.

18-22 August was a very fun weekend, we started of by celebrating Dads birthday and then went on a road trip to YAC Camp in Rotorua, along with my sister Danielle. It was really special to spend time studying God's work together in a camp setting. 

Dad, do we have to do an oil change for you?

17-9-16

Yes, reading a dip stick is really hard.

Ok, I will admit that it was fun 

and this guy is just so so dear and sweet.

Special moments!

The hands on side of you come out here, 

didn't realize you were so good at art.

Totally just chilling.

17-9-16

Yeah Jamie this is strange, 

I really do prefer being shorter than you.

18-9-16

16-18 September was a weekend were Dad planed what we did, an oil change. Have to say that I was sitting there going really, but once I got into it, we had a really nice time, a bonding time. It also was the weekend of my little sister's birthday party so we got involved and did some girlly stuff, painting jars. I have found out now that Jamie quite likes doing a bit of hands on crafts. He has a way steadier hand than I have.

The moment when Jamie wants to make something with you,

equals a special, beautiful memory to wear.

22-10-16

I love just being with you Jamie, you make me smile.

23-10-16

21-24 October was my first visit to Nelson, in which we took like nill photos. I finally got to meet his family (I had meet his mum back in July) It was really special to put character and life to these names and see the places that Jamie remembers growing up. We spent most of the time visiting family, sight seeing and meeting some of the church family down there. I can't wait to go back. 

Burdens abound

These days seem so full

Time seems so short

New things to learn

Jobs to be done

Stuff to prepare

Reading to be done

Cleaning needs doing

I need a break

That's why God's so great

He's the burden reliever

If we just let Him have it

If we trust Him fully

It will be gone forever

All the cares and worries

That cloud our veiw

All the thing to be done

That make us forget about Him

So let us let go

Put God in control

Let Him guide us through

These long weary days

Were burdens just abound

Let the cares of this world

Be done away with

Let the things to be done

Be given to Him

Let us not worry

About time being short

Or that we are doing things wrong

Remember that God's in control

When we give Him the reins

Let Him take your life

And make it His own

JH

14-9-16

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

My life feels a bit like this at the moment and I have to keep reminding myself to give it to the Lord. I'm going through one of those times when everything just seems bigger than it is. Trying to balance the needs with my time can be hard. It's often a struggle to enjoy it because you are so focused on just getting the thing done that you forget to learn and enjoy the small things. For me I think at the moment the biggest struggle is starting a new job, trying to get to know all three kids and not do something in a way that makes it so different from what mom or dad would do. It's trying and I often just forget to enjoy it all and slow the pace of life down.

I pray that you to may be able to just let go of somethings in life and enjoy all that you do, as you do it for the Lord. 

To not worry, but let Him take the reins

Worship the King

Dear brother and sister

Let us worship our King

Let us draw near

On bended knee

O offer your life

As a daily sacrifice

Give it with thanks

As an offering to Him

My your heart sing with mine

Of all the wonders He has done

For the way that He loves us

Redeemed us as His

O my brothers and sisters

Let us love one another

Just as Christ loved us

Through good times and bad

Let us be there for each other

To laugh or cry 

Let us be so united

That our fellow brethrens circumstances

May affect us in a way

That we may symphysis with them
Each day may we all
Become more like our Saviour
Our brother and example
May the way that we do things
Shine like a light
To all those who see us
Wherever we are
So my brother
And my sister
Let us show forth our praise
In every possible way
By the things that we do
And the words that we say
JH
7-9-16

The goal is Christ

O Lord my God

You see our pain

We cry to you in prayer

On frevent knee's

We open our hearts 

To you O Lord in prayer

You remind us that

You are always there

That you have overcome

Overcome the world for us

O great and blessed King

In the mist of life

A life full of pressures 

You O God

Are guiding us throughout

Encouraging us everyday

And you are always near

A faithful God to answer

And O Lord we pray

Keep us O Lord

As the apple of your eye

Help us to look forward 

Forward to our goal...

...Heaven with you

Life is all about you

Not the pleasures of this world

Life is about our serving you

Finding a refuge in your shadow

Like a child in its father's arms

Or chicks under its mother's wing

Let us remember

That our reward is in Heaven

A life forever with you

Death is not our end

But our greater beginning

To a life eternal with you

One without pain

Rarther a constant joy in you

So when the days get hard

And life gets tough

Remember that our goal is Christ

In Him a union perfect and glorious

And eternal life with Him.

JH

27-8-16

As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness;

I will be satisfied with your likeness when I awake.

Psalm 17:15

Let us focus our eyes once more on Christ our goal, looking forward till the day when we shall behold Him face to face.

Time...

I ran out of time

Once again

It seems to fly away

In just a breath or two

So much stuff

I need to do

Never enough time to do it

Priorities are laid in place

And somethings just never get done

Time to write?

What is say!

I don't even have time to think

To much time is spent

On doing nothing at all

Well nothing worth while at all

Some days I wish

I could just pause time

Hold those precious moments

For a few more seconds each

JH

30-7-16

I think we all have this problem.

Precious moments

Precious moments every day

My Lord is so good

O so good to me He is

You have blessed me with smiles

Laughter and joy

With friends and companions

They give me these moments

That make me melt inside

From the serious and tender comments

The... I love you's

I'm so happy for

And I miss you's

The weather that warms me

Deep to the core

To the jest filled moments

Of... Your such a kid

And you look terrible

The I'm bored comments

And the I'm hungry ones to

The jelious ones

And the crazy ones

At times they come

In the nervous excitement kind

But most often the kind

That just makes me smile

Each and every moment

In life is a blessing

Each and everyone

Should be very precious

Even the sad times

The mad and hard times to

Are just as precious

As the rest

So no matter how you are feeling

No matter what you've done in the past

Our God tells us

That every breath is a gift

A precious one at that

Each breath being

A precious moment in itself

That nothing we can do

Can ever make it worthless

In our Saviours eyes

JH

30-7-16

Remember you are always worthy in God's eyes.

He loves you know matter what!

Guess whos here!

Life is full of special times especially when you haven't seen them in over a year.

Kaity!!!

Wednesday morning was just great... We went a bit crazy as you do when someone hasn't slept in far to long...

...Getting out the excitement out. 



She looks like a foreigner

Monday morning selfies

Total having a good catch up!!!

Sorry the my kid side came out this morning😕

It's SO EXCITING!!!!!

It's sunny, but freezing!!!!!!!

We were about to die.

Lunch is good.

Look at the wind and theses precious girls.

I feel so blessed to be able to spend time with this beautiful family. They are missed so often often by me.

Kaity I'm going to miss you so much you are such a dear friend and sister.

I'm going to miss you when you leave...

Holiness, by J. C. Ryle

I pray that you may be blessed with this like I have.

Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

2 Peter 3:18

The subject of the text which heads this page is one which I dare not omit in this volume about holiness. It is one that ought to be deeply interesting to every true Christian. It naturally raises the question, "Do we grow in grace?" Let us consider the marks by which growth in grace may be know.

One mark of growth in grace is increased humility. The man whose soul is "growing," feels his own sinfulness and unworthiness more every year. He is ready to say with Job, "I am vile," and with Isaiah, "I am a man if unclean lips." The nearer he draws to God and the more he sees of God's holiness and perfections, the more thoroughly is he sensible of his own countless imperfections.

Another mark of growth in grace is increased faith and love toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The man whose soul is growing finds more in Christ to rest alone every year and rejoices more that he has such a Saviour. He sees a thousand things in Christ which he never dreamed of at first. He discovers a suitableness in Christ for the needs of his soul of which the half had not been known.

Another mark is increased holiness of life and conversation. The man whose soul is growing gets more Dominion over sin, the world, and the devil every year. He becomes more careful about his temper, words and actions. He is more watchful over his conduct in every relation of life. He strives more to be conformed to the image of Christ in all things and to follow him as his example. He is not content with old attainments and former grace. He thirsts and longs to have a will more entirely in unison with God's will.

Another mark by which growth in grace may be known, is increased spirituality of taste and mind. The man whose soul is growing takes more interest in spiritual things every year. He does not neglect his duty in the world, but the things he loves best are spiritual things. The way fashion, amusements and receations of the world have a continually decreasing place in his heart. He does not condemn them as downright sinful nor say that those who have anything to do with them are going to hell. He only feels that they have a constantly diminishing hold on his own affections and  gradually seem smaller and more trifling in his eyes. Spiritual companions, spiritual occupations and spiritual conversation appear of ever-increasing valve to him.

Another mark in increased love. The man whose soul is growing is more full of love ever year-love to all man, but especially toward the brethren. His love will show itself active in a growing disposition to do kindness, take trouble for others, be good-natured to everyone, be generous, sympathizing, thoughtful, tender-hearted and considerate. It will show itself passively in a growing disposition to be meek and patient toward all men, to put up with provocation and not stand upon rights, to bear and forbear much rather than quarrel. A growing soul will try to out the best construction on other people's conduct. There is no surer mark of backsliding and falling off grace than an increasing disposition to find fault, pick holes and see week points in others.

One more mark of growth in grace is increased zeal and diligence in trying to good to souls. The man who is growing will take greater interest in the salvation of sinners every year. Missions at home and abroad, efforts of every kind to spread the Gospel, attempts of any sort to increase religious light and diminish religious darkness will have a greater place in his attention. He will not become weary in well-done because he does not see every effort succeed. He will just work on, whatever the result may be, and count his work it's own reward.

Holiness, by J. C. Ryle

Special times with a special guy!

I have a bit of exciting news for many of you.

Some of you I know already know and keep telling me to update my blog on the matter.

Five weeks ago today a dear friend of mine asked my Dad if he could go out with me!

Jamie is a blessing from God to me.

He is a man who shares my love for the Lord.

A guy who makes laugh, smile and cry.

Over the past weekend he came up from the south island and we got to spend an amazing weekend together. Sightseeing, going crazy with my siblings, cooking dinner , visiting my Opa and Oma....

5-6-16

Sunday night at youth camp, before the excitement happened. Both feeling very tired.

6-6-16

Two happy people.  Jamie loves my grin in this one.

6-6-16

Just before Jamie asked Dad. I think I wore that grin for weeks after.

9-7-16

Te Papa trip.

9-7-16

We have terrible selfy skills!!!

10-7-16

I miss this guy!

Friends

Friends are a blessing

Each and every one

God gave us friends

For He knew

That they would be there...

To help us 

To worship Him
And praise  Him together

He blessed us with then

To bring Him the glory 

So thank you my Father 

Lord and my King

For each and every friend

You have blest me
Beyond words
How can I thank you
For they are so precious to me
One more than the rest
Lord how can I thank you for him
All I know is that...
I love you!
You hold my life in your hands
I can't wait to see
The plans you have for me
So many dreams I have
And I want you to be the Lord
The Lord of them all!
Lord thank you for these friends
For the dreams they give me
Thank you my Father
I love you!
JH
6-7-16

We don't have an excuse

Christ died for us, we have no excuse  live your life for Him.

Take up your cross daily and serve Him with all that is within you.

The salad

Lettuce leaves 

In bite size pieces 

Carrot grated
With brisk stocks
Tomatoes sliced
With a steady hand
A work of love
A deed of service
The act of sharing
Callused hands
Doing work
For those she loves
She knows that food
Is a way of loving
Those in her care
It's like a daily gift
To those around her
It's a work of art
One she shares with all
When about a table they meet

Two sets of hands
One meal
Two hearts that show there love
Though the act of serving
Three sets of hands
Laughter grows
Four and five
No matter how many
Hands do the work
The love is still there
An artist
Or many artists
It doesn't mater
But this i do know
That the love of sharing
Giving and serving others
Sits on the top of there heart

So next time you sit at a meal
Look at the food
Not just as food
For it is an art filled with a love
Love from the cook
JH
21-6-16

Lazy me

I have been terribly lazy at posting lately. My life has just run away and I have acquired a few unwanted bugs that have kept me at home and in bed. Sinus infections are not nice. So now I have a list of things I need to catch up on and a blog post was not on the top.

My life is pretty exciting!

Tomorrow I am sitting my full license test. 

Scarry, well kind of, but mostly I can't wait.

 As I am going to pass it(always thinking positively). I am trying to decide whether I'm going to go crazy and celebrate it with a bunch of friends.

On Friday we are supposed to go away as a family to visit my cousin in Hastings for like the first time in forever!

I just got told I need to update my Me page. Now do I write a whole new one, tweak it or just add an update on it? I don't know.

O and do you know how fun it is to bug people! 

We had a movie with this song on it way back in the days and it's really catchy and drives everyone mad!

So long from lazy me!

Light to the world

Darkness 

The world is darkness 

Cold wet and miserable 

Inside am warm

Warm and full of light

My Saviour Jesus Christ 

Is living in my heart

I am warm

Too many are cold

I want to shine my light

In this cold and wet world

This little light of mine

Jesus let me shine

May your light in me

Cast a ring of light within

A dark and lost world

Hide it under a bushel, no

Lord let it shine forever Lord

Never let it hide

Lord I love to be your light

Shining in the dark

I love to show your love

In this dark and cold world

May all your children 

Shine brighter each new day 

Let your light prevail 

Over darkness every day

Lord we all look forward 

To the coming day

When darkness is no more

And lightness never fades

JH

13-6-16

 We live in a dark world, but let us never forget that to our God....

even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. 

Psalm 139:12

... there will always be light!

Queens birthday camp

You are not alone !

What a truly blessed topic to dig into on a weekend with youth of the same mind. Brothers and sisters in Christ . Our God has blessed us with the need to not be alone. With God we are never alone for we have His Spirit living within us. Remember even in the days when you feel along, you need only to pray for the Lord to remind you that you are never alone.

Draw near my child

You are not alone

Let me take your burden 

Cast your cares on me

I am your Father

Your Lord and your King

I only are your help

You are never along

When you are with me

I will never forsake 

Never no never

For you are my child

I long to talk to you

My grace is sufficient 

I am the only strength you need

Come and open your heart

Let the pain inside flow out

Confess your sin

I will forgive you

I am the king of forgiveness 

Remember my child 

You are always mine

Never along you are

You are safe in my arms

Rest like a babe

Because with me 

You are never alone 

JH

4-6-16

Blessings

Bless all those 

Who are dear to me Lord

Direct there paths

Fulfil their dreams

Bring joy to their lives

Be with them always 

Help them to trust

Trust the you

O God of all creation 

Hold them near

Touch their lives

Use them to bless

Many more lives

Help them to be

A shining light for you

Lord I know you are with

Every one of your children 

You are our Father

We love you so much

JH

24-5-16

You guys are a blessing to me.

May the Lord bless you far beyond what you imagine.

The love of giving

These just days when you feel like giving and today was one of them.

To bless an other person is an act of love.

So today I rolled up my sleeves and did some baking for my Oma and Opa. 

Cookies!!!

I have to admit cookie dough is like so much fun to just knead.

Half way through and I'm rolling out and cutting.

Yeah I know plan old circles.....

...not for long!

I got this cute cookie stamp the other day. 

They say "made with love", "home made" and "eat me"

They looked sooooooo goooood!

Not to mention cute.

It as nice to see the look on One's face when I gave them to her.

You made these? I'm going to eat one right now. I love home baking.

It was so sweet a moment and touched my heart.

A tree of God's

But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;

I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.

Psalm 52:8-9

I am the Lord's

In His house I do dwell

He has planted me in His garden

I am like a tree

Thriving in His rich word

Producing fruit in season 

My roots go deap

He holds me firm 

His love to me is great

He tends me with loving care

A care ever faithful

He prunes away

My sinful habits

Grafts in new desires

O my previous Lord

Your care makes me cry

Your love I don't deserve 

I lift up my life to you

Take my desires

Make them yours alone 

I am yours forever 

Your hand will lead me all my days

I see it in my life 

Each day my Saviour I will wait on you 

For your plan is best

Through days when I am confused 

Trubbles or distress

I know your hand will be there

Holding onto me

I treasure those who love you Lord

To be with them is greatest joy

Together we wait on You

As each day of life goes by

I love you more and more

You give me things 

I don't deserve 

Lord I can't express my thanks

My words fail at the task

Lord you know my heart

You read it well

Aspect my thoughts I can't word

JH

21-5-16

Salvations story reflected in our life

When we acknowledge the way God allows  our stories to display the ultimate story of his mystery; The hope found in His Son. The beauty of His story is discovered.

I heard the quote this morning and it struck me.

I love this fact that our lives can reflect the most beautiful moments in human history, that is the redemption plan.

One of the things in God's plan that strikes me most is that He didn't just die to save us, He died to make us His own children, to be our Father.

I love the way this is reflected in the home. In every part of our life. For me I treasure it, especially in my close friends. Ones that are basically family . 

The friends that I look at and see them as my siblings. Siblings you could say through adoption in Christ. Every time I am around them it reminds me of the beautiful truth that I am adopted by Christ.

The very fact that they are brothers and sisters in Christ. The fact that our friendships on earth reflect so much of God's redemption plan, is precious. To know that every part of my life reflects parts of God's most gracious love for us

For me to be with these friends, in there homes, just helping with the everyday things like dishes and having fun with there siblings is like the way God is in each of our own homes. He's not just the guy who want to hang out when there's fun to be had. No rather He's the God who is present in every moment of our life. The basic everyday tasks to personal moments spent in each other company though pray, Bible reading and worship.

Let us remember this as we go through our everyday advents.