Two Years of Walking With God Later....

I love this reminder. Been thinking about this since last year actually. What I shared during my baptismal, around Easter 2013, using this imagery and Psalm 23. How much I've grown....

It's still true. He leads me, let's me walk and run(!) confidently. But I'm less simpleton now smile emoticon.

I'm still pressing my brakes on my super over-confidence and adventuresome risk-taking!! I make sure I'm not only in His presence but also doing His will!

God is not only behind me encouraging me to go ahead! He is next to me (and in me) the whole time as I tackle challenges! He is in front of me calling me forward! I ran gladly to Him with joy and peace, trusting the Lord with our future adventures!

Three-in-one, all encompassing, almighty, all wonderful, fully loving.

"The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves."
"Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps. The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence."(Proverbs 14: 8,15-16 NLT)

Top Tens - Winter in Hawaii

Ten Things I Love

1. The small birds around the place, especially those in pairs. They always distract me and put a smile on my face.

2. Huge banyan tree next to my "home" and another next to a nice ice cream parlour (with tons of noisy birds in it!).
3. Today I joined the paddling club for the first time. It felt great to have a regular work out or "active-ity" again! Woohoo! (I'm gonna be in PAIN soon, ack!!)
4. While paddling dolphins swam past us!
5. After the dolphins I said the day will be most perfect if I also see a whale... A few minutes later, we spotted a mother whale nursing her newborn(!!!!!!), while a dolphin hanged around them(!!!!). We were around 100 metres away from it and I wanted to swim to it or put my head into the water to hear them three sing!!!!!
6. I love the whale season!

• I saw two of them 10 metres away from the bow of our boat, and quietly watched (and doing mini jumps!); while on a deep-sea-fishing tour, and aft side was a commotion because we were also catching/reeling in a HUGE fish!!
• A whale did a full breach (somersaulted) about 300 metres from where I was with a group doing morning bible study. Tears were shed.

7. Lots of events, times and situations in my life where people are noticing we are "lucky" when I am around, hahah. I've known this for years but don't think I'm special. I thank you God for those treats and blessings. :-)
8. My friend lending me his computer where I can watch unlimited movies from his and girlfriend's media streaming account.
9. Clean room (especially bathroom, yes!), great roommates.
10. God's strength, encouragement and commands. They give me peace while I seek to please Him and live in wisdom.

I miss good cheeses & soft sheets!

I miss a bubbly bath....

I miss these kids & family! 

Hello darling, miss you too!

Ten Eleven Things I Miss
1. While in Brazil, next to the river, worshipping a long time after dusk, I saw what I called a "night rainbow" at one spot in the sky! They were darker hues but a display of reds, oranges/yellows, greens/grays/blues/whites, and purples/pinks!! I was so tickled by God! It was awesome, and I miss it....
2. Miss fresh coconut juice - I'm gonna hunt for them at the main campus I think.... :-)
3. Miss cheaper papayas. The price went for $2 for 6 pieces to $2.50 each! Because of the lava flows, etc.
4. I miss home too much. In the past though I travelled heaps, I always knew I had home to go back to and to nest in. I already got rid of the extreme travel-bug in my system. I don't have a nest.
5. I miss my close family and friends and friend's dog, a lot a lot a lot. Nuff said.
6. Meals with family and friends.
7. I miss cooking and baking - can you believe this!!!!!!???!!!! My meals get (thankfully) prepared here for me or we eat out. Still, I dislike not having access to a full kitchen.
8. I miss having "disposable" income, to treat people and myself out. Cash flow for entertainment and to spend on others.
9. Miss having a couch inside my home.
10. Miss having baths, then jumping into a nice bed with super-soft Egyptian cotton sheets.
11. Surprisingly missing national galleries, modern and old art. I stared at the Picasso painting below for a looooonnnng time. Reflecting on the woman and myself (and Picasso).

I miss!

I'd like some please... :-(

I miss too....

Miss this family & good meals!

Ten Wishes/Prayers

1. For God to silence myself, others and the devil... so I can be sure that I heard right my next steps. It's not about what I want to do (go back home, accept a marriage proposal maybe, likely work-travel to Nepal and China, Iceland, Greenland, Myanmar and Eastern Europe); or what others want for me (all well-intentioned and loving).... I am seeking what pleases the good and faithful Lord and obeying His commands, as I trust Him in my faithful journey.

2. Clarity in directions for my future and courage to walk into it - praying into where God wants me to be located for long-term/continuous mission, which organisation to connect with, which skills/courses to learn in preparation, theological foundation, etc.

3. For God's armour to always cover me and family.

4. Sanctified common sense.

5. For the mentors He promised to be clear and obvious. Thank you for the ones I've met already.

6. For my family to each have a personal relationship with Christ.

7. To always be obedient and dependent to God as His little child. 

8. To always have this joy and inner peace I have serving.
9. For a healthy body and physical healing (Immunity, skin, and physical wellness) 

10. God's blessing for me to have my own family and children.

Ten Material/Resources Wish List  (with mission to unreach nations in mind)

1. Osprey 75L travelpack, customised to my back.

2. Ipad or tablet - for ease during short-term travels.

3. Dual-sim phablet/phoblet.... you know which one I'm talking about.

4. Big Agnes(?) lightweight 3-4 seasons tent.

5. Lightweight and waterproof winter jacket and hiking pants.

6. Northface waterproof duffel bag that can turn into a backpack - carry-on size.

7. Business/investment in mission.

8. 

9. GoPro or similar - using this is strong, but I'm very hesitant to being more public, God will provide when it is time.

10. Canon DSLR lenses, tripod, and equipment for lighting and studio photography (a whim). I'm gonna try to get back to learning photography with my 50mm lens, next season.

I miss the alleys and culture...

Loved finding things to photograph...