Major Events

December 3, 2016 - I got a boyfriend!
February 11, 2017 - That boyfriend became my fiancé!!
Max Tuinanuya is from Lautoka, Fiji, so until we get married at the end of 2017, we will continue to live in separate countries.



















February 20, 2017 - I begin studying Architectural Technology at Toi-Ohomai in Tauranga.  It's a two-year course, so Max and I will live in NZ after we're married while I finish my second year of study.

Four paintings completed this year!

This painting is the first of a series of five that will be together, called "Trust Me".  After finishing "Broken Hallelujah", I was desperate to paint in colour, and dashed this off in two hours (with a slight adjustment the next day).  I was amazed at my increased confidence both in mixing the paint and in applying it.  All those months (4) of black and white seem to have done some good! (c:

Painting: Broken Hallelujah

Broken Hallelujah

(Song by "The Afters")

I can barely stand right now.

Everything is crashing down,

And I wonder where You are.

I try to find the words to pray.

I don't always know what to say,

But You're the one that can hear my heart.

Even though I don't know what your plan is,

I know You're making beauty from these ashes.

I've seen joy and I've seen pain.

On my knees, I call Your name.

Here's my broken hallelujah.

With nothing left to hold onto,

I raise these empty hands to You.

Here's my broken hallelujah.

You know the things that have brought me here.

You know the story of every tear.

‘Cause You've been here from the very start.

Even though I don't know what your plan is,

I know You're making beauty from these ashes.

I've seen joy and I've seen pain.

On my knees, I call Your name.

Here's my broken hallelujah.

With nothing left to hold onto,

I raise these empty hands to You.

Here's my broken hallelujah.

When all is taken away, don't let my heart be changed.

Let me always sing Hallelujah

When I feel afraid, don't let my hope be erased

Let me always sing Hallelujah.

Let me always sing Hallelujah.

I will always sing

I will always sing

Here's my broken hallelujah.

Loved

This is my second painting.  It's the first time I've painted people, and I'm thrilled with it.
The little girl is unconcerned with the conversation being held over her head.  She is content to be held, knowing she is loved.  The love she feels is an extension of the love between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

First painting finished!

It is done!

This painting is worked in acrylics on a 15"x30" canvas, and took 36+ hours over 10 weeks to complete.  I have been greatly encouraged by the responses to it.  I especially enjoy telling people to have a close look at the pine tree on the right and then watching the moment when they are close enough to read what is hidden in the bark.  These are the scriptures relating to this picture, such as Psalm 91:1-2, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."

Ever heard of semaphore?  It is the signaling alphabet that sailors used, generally with a flag in each hand, where each position of the arms represented a different letter.  I have incorporated this into the painting, so that the people on the path spell words using semaphore.  They say, "God is my salvation".

This painting also depicts some of my part to play in God's scheme of things: the gracious princess (in red near the first entrance), welcoming the refugees; and the warrior (in red and white with sword at side) welcoming and prepared to defend any who are pursued by the enemy.

I would be interested to know what you see in this picture; what it speaks to you.

The painting is currently on show at our church cafe.  I have started preliminary work on the next picture, which won't be a landscape and will be completely different! (c:

Developing a gift.

I have recently discovered that painting is something that I really like to do.  The Lord has been strongly encouraging me to pursue it, and now that I am in full agreement with Him, I am seeking how best to do that.  I am currently spending quite a few hours each week painting, have nearly finished my first 'real' painting (it's on a 15"x30" canvas and has taken over 30 hours so far), have subscribed to a couple of NZ artists' sites to get free online lessons and newsletters, and joined an artists' forum...!  Now considering whether I should pursue a highly-recommended online art course - either a Beginners' 1-year course or the Full Course of 4 years (approx. NZ$2300 in fees for the 4 years).  Hmmm, yes, I can see myself doing that, even through possible and probable life changes.  But is that way what the Lord intends, and when, how, etc?

Tikitere Gardens, November

 I was driving past, saw the sign, and wandered in.  A winding walk amongst gorgeous displays of rhododendrons!  Spring is definitely the time to visit this garden.  Not the best quality in photos because I only had my phone camera to use.

A tower of white

Tramping

I've been getting into tramping a bit, lately.  I haven't tried carrying a pack of even the smallest size yet (my shoulders really don't like carrying weights at present), but am slowly toughening my heels to wearing boots.  While on holiday at Tokaanu (south end of Lake Taupo) I went tramping up a small hill reserve (plus an extended walk back to the motel) with Dad.  The track was quite overgrown, the rain made us quite wet in spite of our coats, and the plasters on my heels slipped so that I not only developed blisters but also broke them, but it was GREAT.  I had this photo taken when we returned, after which we changed and headed straight for the hot pool for a soak!

While getting a map of this little track (Mosquito Hill) from the hotel office, I was also given a map and pamphlet of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.  For the first time ever, I am actually interested in climbing it.  Something to do with the view from the top, I think, rather than the bare track getting there, hehe.  Then when we got to Dannevirke (where I stayed for a week) a visiting young German couple talked enthusiastically about their hike over the Crossing and mentioned the amazing silence up there, which increased my interest.  So I kind of have that as a middle-distance goal.

In the meantime, I went with Dad on a tramping track in the Ruahines (near Dannevirke) that I hadn't been on for something like 20 years.  I took a photo of the map at Tamaki Reserve's picnic area, and we walked some of the way up to the A-Frame.  An hour up a steep track, a sit-down with a view, and a half-hour back down that made jelly of my thighs...!  I saw a deer in the bush on the way up, and two wood pigeons near the end.  I was exhausted and still had to make dinner for Dad, Narelle, and myself, but it was a wonderful day.  I'm loving tramping! :D

More of the Carlyle garden

The Carlyle garden

A trip to the Blue Lake and Lake Tarawera

Progress

The doctor likes my progress and what I'm doing to get better, but agrees that I need more time off, so I have been approved to continue receiving the benefit for another month.  I am now getting osteopathic treatment for my back, and will be looking for a good-quality magnesium supplement to aid in physical recovery.  I anticipate being able to rejoin the work force at the end of January, though perhaps only beginning with short hours.  We shall see.

Beside Still Waters

I had my first swim in Blue Lake yesterday!  First non-chlorinated swim in years.  The water was very pleasant and so was the sunny air, so at first I just stood in the water up to my waist.  I wasn't sure how my arm, shoulder, and back muscles would react to the cool water (cold tends to make the muscles tense very quickly), but eventually I sank up to my neck, and splashed and soaked and luxuriated for ten minutes or so.  It was pleasant enough to have stayed in much longer, but I decided to start gently - and I wasn't wearing sunscreen. (c;
As I sat in my shaded car after eating my lunch, watching the learner water-skiers, the number of cars and people began to increase.  I didn't want busyness and people noise, so I started to head home.  But I really wanted to stay out there in the sun and open air, and the Lord asked me why I was running away when I wanted to stay...!  I guess I was also getting used to the idea that it's okay for me to sit out there enjoying the view and doing nothing much for hours on end.  So I returned to a different spot, up on the grassy hill away from everybody, in the sun and with a grand view.  I laid my togs and towel on the grass to dry, spread a blanket in another spot, and settled down to rest.  Wary of a second round of sunburn inside 10 days, I discovered some ancient sunscreen in my togbag - which seems to be still effective, haha.
It was a wonderful hour or so of rest.  Eventually I felt a bit more lively and thought I would head home, but in getting into the car, I got to talking with the Lord and never went anywhere...! Lol.  Then I got so warm sitting there that I needed a walk in the cool shade, so down to the lakeside I went and wandered around the track a wee way.  I was planning to go out to the women's prayer meeting in the evening, so I didn't want to walk the whole track.  I did that last week and found the hour-and-a-half walk was a bit too much.  So this time I found a nice spot to sit and look down at the water.  Very, very pleasant.  Refreshing.  Restorative.
By the time I headed back into town somewhat after 4pm, I was feeling totally relaxed and mentally alert.  Definitely prepared for an evening out.  The shared meal at the meeting starts at 5:30pm, but I dilly-dallied a fair bit, and there was no inspiration for food preparation in fridge or cupboard so, by now casually running about 10 minutes late, I stopped at the Four Square and bought a cheesecake for dessert.
When I arrived at Lorraine's, there were no other cars.  No one else was coming... a whole cheesecake to share between two!  Lol.  Neither of us was hungry for a proper meal, so I ate half of the cold, delicious, boysenberry cheesecake, Lorraine at a quarter, and I left the last quarter for her in the fridge.  Mmmm!  Around it we had a blessed time talking and then praying together.  Home about 9:30pm as I began to feel sleepy.  Ahh, what a peaceful, relaxing, yet somehow invigorating day!

Rest and relief

I have been given 'permission' to rest - the doctor gave me a medical certificate saying I am not fit for work.  He reckons I'm near breaking point (glad someone other than myself can see that!), and diagnosed 'anxiety disorder'.  WINZ has granted me financial assistance for the time it takes for me to recover.  I just have to go back to the doctor once a month to renew the certificate.  I'm anticipating three months' break, but we shall see.  It's a great relief to know I can just rest.
Meanwhile, the Lord is using me here in Rotorua.  That's exciting! (c:

Aunty in The Redwoods

Katrina had an appointment across the road from The Redwoods, so she collected me first, and while she was busy, I wandered with the kiddies through the forest.

 Josh took a turn behind the camera.

Aunty still needs lots of rest stops, especially when carrying a backpack behind and a two-year-old in front!

Just like Mum.

Living Psalm 23

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul." Psalm 23:1-3a
The Lord has been reminding me that He loves me and will not let me fall.  He literally accomplished verse 2 of the above psalm.  When I revisited Castle Craig last week after 6 years' absence, I walked up the race and lay on the grass to enjoy the view and just being outdoors - the pasture was VERY green!

The following day I climbed up further through a steep paddock to sit among the rocks in the rain, resting in His presence while He restored my soul a little more.  Yesterday, Rachael took me to Lake Tarawera, beside the still waters, and we enjoyed the restoring tranquility with the view.

Now that I'm here, what do I do?

I am now installed in my new abode in Rotorua.  Recreation and activity shouldn't be a problem (c: but what do I do for an income?  The Lord uprooted me from Amberley and made the way plain to come here; I know He'll provide ways and means - but I have to work at resting and not being nervous.

Suddenly I'm aware of how much more fuel I'm going to use here.  It's 15-20 minutes' drive around to Katrina's place, 10 minutes to church... and I'm not nearly energetic enough to bike everywhere yet.

Add to that, my right arm in particular still doesn't take kindly to excessive use, and my stamina is all shot to pieces (read: often tired and sore)...

I think I'll head for the hills and the bush to sort my thoughts (c:

Biking with Dad

Stayed in Dannevirke with my folks for 12 days.  While there, I got Dad to go out biking with me, which was great.  Not so great to discover that he's fitter than I...!

Moving North

I am moving to Rotorua!  Somewhat unwillingly at first (the idea did come as quite a shock), but now with enthusiasm and excitement.  I don't know what I'll do when I get there, but God said to go, so I'm going, trusting Him to reveal the steps as needed.  I made a quick trip at the beginning of August to get a feel for the place and came away having begun to fall in love with the place and with the absolute certainty it is the right place and right time, in spite of cold, wet, wintery weather and the first afternoon being particularly offensive to the nose in the town centre.
I have 3.5 weeks left of work at the supermarket.  In my spare time (of which there is quite a lot, since my hours have been reduced to 25) I am usually either sorting and packing or making farewell visits.
I am only taking what I can fit in my car, so everything else will go into storage.  Thankfully I don't have much furniture these days.  My flatmate is allowing me to leave the piano in her lounge for however long I need, and will keep my office chair on loan.  She is also taking permanent possession of my filing cabinet and a small bookcase.  That leaves me with 2 tall bookcases and a tv stand/cabinet to store.  That may be all the furniture, but there will be plenty of boxes containing books, fabrics, and other bits and pieces that I want to keep but won't need for a while.
My biggest moving issue is my darling cat, Cashay.  I've advertised that I need a new home for her, but I really don't want to give her away, so I'm hoping to find a temporary solution that will allow me to retrieve her in due course.  Whatever the means, I can't take her with me in September, because I'll be on the move or staying with family and friends for several weeks before I can look for a new abode and occupation.  It is a frequent topic of conversation with the Lord.

I spoke to a lady about Jesus! :D

I currently work at our local Four Square Supermarket.  There are lots of regular customers who like to stop to chat and tell me about their day and so forth.
One Sunday when I was walking past the shop on my way to church, an older lady (to whom I will refer as Mrs. M.) who often talks with me remarked on my outfit and asked if I had been to church.  I said I was on my way to church, by which she knew which church I was attending.  (It's a small fellowship recently begun, called Highway Pentecostal, with the sign out by the main road every Sunday.)  The next time Mrs. M. came into the shop while I was working, she asked if I liked that church, and proceeded to remark on the sad state of the traditional churches and ended by talking about how she wasn't really religious but that she was a good person and didn't do this or that...  I felt an enormous opportunity had been dropped in my lap, and I kind of knew what to say, but I feel hampered by the fact that it's my workplace and that when I'm in uniform I represent the shop, and not only my Lord.  And frankly, I prefer such conversations to be private, and right then I would have had another customer listening, as we were right next to the checkout.  I was also conscious that we could be easily interrupted and she might get only half the story.  All I did was make her feel welcome to come and visit our church any time, for which she thanked me and said she might do that.
Since then I have been tussling with myself over whether I was right to not pursue the opportunity.  I kind of hoped I might bump into her on the street and be able to renew the conversation, but that didn't happen.  Well, this morning I was putting it before the Lord and strongly felt that I needed to do something about it, and that I wouldn't be able to rest until I had.  So I asked him to help me accomplish a meeting and an important conversation.
I had been given a dozen and a half of fresh backyard eggs, and set out to give some of them to a wonderful old lady in our church, Helen.  I also wanted to ask Helen to pray with me about the situation, since I had already told her about Mrs. M.'s comments.  I was also planning to go to the library to do some things online (which is where I am now), which is what actually got me out of my house, hehe.
Helen didn't need the eggs, so I said I would find someone else to give them to, perhaps one of the staff at work - and I might bump into Mrs. M...  Then I told her what I wanted to do.  Helen knew where Mrs. M. lived... just four houses away!!  So, after getting Helen to pray with me, I biked the short distance with the intention of giving Mrs. M. the half dozen or so eggs and with the hope of being able to talk to her about Jesus.  I didn't even know if she'd be home, but she was, and she came out and was delighted to receive the eggs.  We stood in the sun and chatted for a bit, and then I said I'd been thinking about what she had said the other day (I think that worked particularly well 'cause it showed I'd been listening and thought her comments worth thinking about) and proceeded to show in brief how God is holy and we've broken his standard (the Ten Commandments) so he can't have us with him, but that Jesus paid the price for us and rose again.  All of which Mrs. M. listened to and seemed to be agreeing with to some extent (it worked as a conversation rather than a sermon).  So then, pointing out that going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going into a garage makes you a car (we were standing right next to her open garage, hehe), which she seemed to think was a bit far-fetched as an analogy, I emphasized the fact that Jesus is the only way to God ("no one comes to the Father except through the Son, Jesus"), and that we must each make a personal decision to accept his sacrifice in our place.  I think I said that part at least twice.  After which she closed the topic by saying that she would go and pray that God would make her washing machine work, and we finished the conversation with the eggs again.  Very smooth ending, it was.
I jumped back on my bike, rode straight back to Helen to tell her, nearly in tears from excitement!  Lord, let the words of my mouth produce a meditation in Mrs. M.'s heart that brings her to You.

Life is intensely adventuresome, but not much of it is of a publicly shareable nature.

Jesus Is Everything

If Jesus is the foundation, the cover, and the centre, and if it is His love, mercy, and grace that surround and fill, then He is everything.  All that comes out will be of, from, and through Him.  He is no longer a resource.  He IS, in me.  I am, in Him.

Rooted, Grounded, Surrounded

The fourth chapter of the gospel of Mark talks about growing seed.  The seed needs to become a strong root to grow a strong plant and produce good fruit, and to withstand persecution.  To grow a strong, deep root, the soil must be softened and cleared of rocks.

The seed is the Word of God.  According to John's gospel, Jesus is the Word.  He is the Root.  Ephesians 3:17 speaks of being rooted and grounded in love.  God is Love.  The same passage speaks of the breadth, length, depth, and height of that love.  It speaks of having Christ dwelling in your heart by faith, strengthening the inner man by His Spirit.  It speaks of the love of Christ, which is beyond knowledge, filling you with the fullness of God.

The Lord removes the rocks.  With the rocks removed, the root may go deep.  When the sun beats hard and wild winds blow, the root not only holds the plant secure, but becomes a tap-root, providing water, providing life, from depths unseen.

I am rooted and grounded and surrounded by His love.