At the end of this year and the beginning of a new one I like to reflect on this past year although knowing that we must not only make decisions and look ahead on the eve of a new year.
Looking back this year has been a really interesting one. Although in itself it wasn't always adventurous yet looking back I can see how God brought me to where he has me now and getting there has been quite a journey.
This year did not start too well for me and I did not yet know what lay ahead of me. The first few months were filled with many worries about the future, uncertainty and me therefore withdrawing and diminishing not being at ease.
Nonetheless there were fun times and God was truly moving, it was only me holding back a lot of potential.
Spring came and I made some tough choices. No more worrying about the future, no more holding back. I decided to work on some friendships and let God deal with some of the things. Amazing how I broke free of quite some hard stuff. You can go back on this blog and read my series about the Exciting times of waiting to get a feeling of these times!
Summer started and my first License thesis which I basically wrote within two weeks. How insane was I? No sleep, no rest, just writing and thinking and pressure. Don't follow this example. Don't know what I was thinking.
Anyhow, Campfour 2008 with the theme FRESH! It was truly the best Campfour we've had this far! God was stirring up things, equipping young people, challenging them to fight for their faith, to live a life completely surrendered to Him! Great things are yet to come, greater things are still to be done in this city! I am incredibly blessed and honored to be part of ministering to the youth! I love them so so much and I want to see God doing even more through and with them!
I was also honored and blessed to be given the responsibility of planning and bringing together the big anniversary banquet for my pastors. 35 years of ministy! It was an amazing night!
The Hillsong Conference 2008 brought some great confirmation into my life. God really spoke into my life, challenging my stlye of leadership and affirming plans and dreams and visions in my life. God, I want to follow you only, hold my hand, never let me go! Jesus, you are the only one and I want to be part of building your house!
As of now, I am finishing up my bachelour thesis and will be done with university in a few weeks. It's amazing. God has brought me right here right now, with my past and a big plan ahead. I do believe that the best is yet to come and I am more than excited about that! I am to this day more convinced than ever how important it is to be planted in a local church, building God's house and I want to play my part, I want to fulfill God's will for my life! I am here to serve Him. Take my hands, take my heart, Lord. This is yours. I want Him to tell me at the end of my life: Well done, my good and faithful servant!
The best days still lie ahead of us.
xoxo Ramona
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
How to Date - Part 2
Let's continue with How to Date, today with part 2. Before starting though let's repeat a little from last time. Remeber the definition we formed for dating:
"Dating is when two people are together with the intention of getting to know each other better."
I just think that takes out so much pressure of dating and relationships and makes things a lot less awkward.
Last time we talked about the 2 lies of dating and I already announced a third one.
3. Dating is a game.
Dating is not just a game. There is so much more to it and it can become dangerous to think that way because it is out of pure egoism that you see it as a game. If it were just a game you would only want to satisfy your physical/emotional feelings but a relationship is more about GIVING than taking.
Yes, God has given you feelings and emotions but he wants you to controll them. And how does that work? Well, turn with me to John 15:19 where it says:
"The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world."
The Lord has called me to step out of the world, remember we are in it but not of it! And by living that way comes self control which in actual fact is a fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit will yield out of our lives if we live not by the principles of the world, but by God's principles!
But it takes us to make the steps and give everything to the Lord, WITHOUT COMPROMISES.
Therefore before I continue let me ask you this question: Are you will to give up your dream to get married/have a boyfriend for the Lord?
We have to come to the point where we are not dependent on another person but on God and giving everything to him, letting go of everything includes giving up your dream to get married. God's plans are bigger than your own. That doesn't mean that you are not meant to get married or that God doesn't want you to. It simply means that God is in controll of everything.
So, once we're there let's talk about how to make the most out of a date. And if you are expecting a candle light and soft music answer, you are mistaken... so, fasten your seatbelt with me and let's throw away all the old perceptions of how things have to work.
1. Know, that you don't have to date
It's that simple. You don't have to date. Let's read out of the book of Song of Songs 2:7
"Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right."
Love will wake up when it is well rested and mature enough. Don't tell someone your love them if you can't take the responsibility of your words.
Let me ask you the question: Where have you woken up love before it was well rested?
2. Know that men and women are different.
There's not much to say about that except that you should keep it in mind. Be careful of the signs you send and how they might be interpreted. This includes touching, hugging, the way you dress. Reflect on how you deal with these thing.
3. Know that dating doesn't necessarily need to be romantic and tight up. Relax, have fun times together but take preventive steps when you are alone. Meet up in a public place or open all the doors and windows. Be careful.
Therefore think about your attitude about dating. Ask yourself the questions asked above. Take steps into the right direction. Dating is a serious thing and you will want God to be the center of it!
I hope you enjoyed the series about dating and start going into the right direction. Let me know about it. Let me also tell you that each and everyone of you is so important to me. I do care about your lives. It matters to me!
In this sense
xoxo Ramona
"Dating is when two people are together with the intention of getting to know each other better."
I just think that takes out so much pressure of dating and relationships and makes things a lot less awkward.
Last time we talked about the 2 lies of dating and I already announced a third one.
3. Dating is a game.
Dating is not just a game. There is so much more to it and it can become dangerous to think that way because it is out of pure egoism that you see it as a game. If it were just a game you would only want to satisfy your physical/emotional feelings but a relationship is more about GIVING than taking.
Yes, God has given you feelings and emotions but he wants you to controll them. And how does that work? Well, turn with me to John 15:19 where it says:
"The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world."
The Lord has called me to step out of the world, remember we are in it but not of it! And by living that way comes self control which in actual fact is a fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit will yield out of our lives if we live not by the principles of the world, but by God's principles!
But it takes us to make the steps and give everything to the Lord, WITHOUT COMPROMISES.
Therefore before I continue let me ask you this question: Are you will to give up your dream to get married/have a boyfriend for the Lord?
We have to come to the point where we are not dependent on another person but on God and giving everything to him, letting go of everything includes giving up your dream to get married. God's plans are bigger than your own. That doesn't mean that you are not meant to get married or that God doesn't want you to. It simply means that God is in controll of everything.
So, once we're there let's talk about how to make the most out of a date. And if you are expecting a candle light and soft music answer, you are mistaken... so, fasten your seatbelt with me and let's throw away all the old perceptions of how things have to work.
1. Know, that you don't have to date
It's that simple. You don't have to date. Let's read out of the book of Song of Songs 2:7
"Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right."
Love will wake up when it is well rested and mature enough. Don't tell someone your love them if you can't take the responsibility of your words.
Let me ask you the question: Where have you woken up love before it was well rested?
2. Know that men and women are different.
There's not much to say about that except that you should keep it in mind. Be careful of the signs you send and how they might be interpreted. This includes touching, hugging, the way you dress. Reflect on how you deal with these thing.
3. Know that dating doesn't necessarily need to be romantic and tight up. Relax, have fun times together but take preventive steps when you are alone. Meet up in a public place or open all the doors and windows. Be careful.
Therefore think about your attitude about dating. Ask yourself the questions asked above. Take steps into the right direction. Dating is a serious thing and you will want God to be the center of it!
I hope you enjoyed the series about dating and start going into the right direction. Let me know about it. Let me also tell you that each and everyone of you is so important to me. I do care about your lives. It matters to me!
In this sense
xoxo Ramona
Saturday, November 22, 2008
How to Date - Part 1
So finally I am starting my two part series about dating. I am taking my notes from you(th) as we've talked about that the last two Wednesdays.
For those of you who expect to hear a list of things on what to do in order to date the right way will be mistaken. This is not to tell you how to date and get a boy/girlfriend, but to explain you that Jesus always must come first, that God's intentions for you are always the best and that it's all about stepping into His will and His plan for you life!
So in this sense let me give you two verses to encourage you concerning this:
Ephesians 1:18 "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance"Psalm 100:4-5 "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."
So, what is Dating?
The world tells you that Dating is two people are togehter with the goal of sexually getting closer. But this is not what God has in mind.
Acutally the interesting thing is that you will not find two many verses to tell you, this is how to date.
Your parent's opinion would probably be that dating is two people who like each other and are over 25. Well, they want to protect you and make sure you are mature and old enough to understand the responsibility that comes with dating.
Your friends would probably say, dating is when two people from different groups of friends are together to romantically get closer.
But when we look at the core of dating it is merely what we have seen above. Why putting so much pressure on yourself by having to have the romantic atomosphere or feelings in the beginning. It can make a situation really disconcerning.
So a definition for dating could be:
Dating is when two people are together with the intention of getting to know each other better.
Hence, there is no romance in the beginning. I want to encourage you take out the awkwardness and fill it with meaningfull quality times of getting to know each other. How could that look like? Well, let me ask you this question: Does a date always have to be candlelight, dinner and a movie? Could it not also be a hike, hang out time with friends, doing life together? I honestly believe it can and I also want to encourage you to not only hang out just the two of you. Get together with a group. Experience, how the other person is around his/her friends, around their parents, sibblings. That's when you get to know the person's heart, the person's attitudes and not only the way he/she behaves around you.
Therefore, dating is the process of getting to know each other better in order to build up a FRIENDSHIP.
There are three lies about dating and I will give you two today and the third one in Part 2.
1. Everybody dates somebody.
Everybody talks about it but it's not true. Not everybody dates somebody and it is totally fine to not be dating. Often times it is probably better to not date in order to be able to fully focus on Jesus and draw from His love, get confirmation from Him instead of another. Especially we women would easily do this.
2. In order to be somebody you have to be with somebody
This lie can easily lead you into dependency of a significant other. Like I said above, sometimes it's better not to date to not get into this despendency, but to fully rely on Jesus!
Hence looking at both these lies we can see that initially it is about our IDENTITY, who we are and who we build our identity on!
Let me remind you, God wanted YOU! You are WANTED and He has a great plan for your life, so don't listen to these lies and listen to Jesus. Have Him in the midst of your life, build your identity on Him and be with him!
Open your spiritual eyes and see yourself the way God sees you!
Read Romans 5:8 and Psalm 139!
So to finish part one on How to date let me summarize this in one sentence:
Your worth is not in who you are with but who you are!
That's it for now with Part One, come back soon to read more about How to Date in Part 2.
Until then.... Focus on Jesus!
xoxo Ramona
For those of you who expect to hear a list of things on what to do in order to date the right way will be mistaken. This is not to tell you how to date and get a boy/girlfriend, but to explain you that Jesus always must come first, that God's intentions for you are always the best and that it's all about stepping into His will and His plan for you life!
So in this sense let me give you two verses to encourage you concerning this:
Ephesians 1:18 "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance"Psalm 100:4-5 "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."
So, what is Dating?
The world tells you that Dating is two people are togehter with the goal of sexually getting closer. But this is not what God has in mind.
Acutally the interesting thing is that you will not find two many verses to tell you, this is how to date.
Your parent's opinion would probably be that dating is two people who like each other and are over 25. Well, they want to protect you and make sure you are mature and old enough to understand the responsibility that comes with dating.
Your friends would probably say, dating is when two people from different groups of friends are together to romantically get closer.
But when we look at the core of dating it is merely what we have seen above. Why putting so much pressure on yourself by having to have the romantic atomosphere or feelings in the beginning. It can make a situation really disconcerning.
So a definition for dating could be:
Dating is when two people are together with the intention of getting to know each other better.
Hence, there is no romance in the beginning. I want to encourage you take out the awkwardness and fill it with meaningfull quality times of getting to know each other. How could that look like? Well, let me ask you this question: Does a date always have to be candlelight, dinner and a movie? Could it not also be a hike, hang out time with friends, doing life together? I honestly believe it can and I also want to encourage you to not only hang out just the two of you. Get together with a group. Experience, how the other person is around his/her friends, around their parents, sibblings. That's when you get to know the person's heart, the person's attitudes and not only the way he/she behaves around you.
Therefore, dating is the process of getting to know each other better in order to build up a FRIENDSHIP.
There are three lies about dating and I will give you two today and the third one in Part 2.
1. Everybody dates somebody.
Everybody talks about it but it's not true. Not everybody dates somebody and it is totally fine to not be dating. Often times it is probably better to not date in order to be able to fully focus on Jesus and draw from His love, get confirmation from Him instead of another. Especially we women would easily do this.
2. In order to be somebody you have to be with somebody
This lie can easily lead you into dependency of a significant other. Like I said above, sometimes it's better not to date to not get into this despendency, but to fully rely on Jesus!
Hence looking at both these lies we can see that initially it is about our IDENTITY, who we are and who we build our identity on!
Let me remind you, God wanted YOU! You are WANTED and He has a great plan for your life, so don't listen to these lies and listen to Jesus. Have Him in the midst of your life, build your identity on Him and be with him!
Open your spiritual eyes and see yourself the way God sees you!
Read Romans 5:8 and Psalm 139!
So to finish part one on How to date let me summarize this in one sentence:
Your worth is not in who you are with but who you are!
That's it for now with Part One, come back soon to read more about How to Date in Part 2.
Until then.... Focus on Jesus!
xoxo Ramona
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Fruit of the Spirit
Hi,
before I start my series about "How to date" I want to give you a little impression of my last weekend. My friends and I went to the Swissalps to stay over night. What a refreshing time!!!
It was perfect timing as I had a pretty hard week behind me and just needed the time off to refresh again. On that Saturday morning I was journaling and God just showed me again that I am connected to His Powerhouse! But I have to decide to plug myself in. So I did and I read Galatians 5: 22: "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" (NLT)
Let us produce those things. May we ever grow in living in the Spirit and hence producing His fruit which will endure enternity.
Keep clicking on the page for more about How to date soon.
before I start my series about "How to date" I want to give you a little impression of my last weekend. My friends and I went to the Swissalps to stay over night. What a refreshing time!!!
It was perfect timing as I had a pretty hard week behind me and just needed the time off to refresh again. On that Saturday morning I was journaling and God just showed me again that I am connected to His Powerhouse! But I have to decide to plug myself in. So I did and I read Galatians 5: 22: "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" (NLT)
Let us produce those things. May we ever grow in living in the Spirit and hence producing His fruit which will endure enternity.
Keep clicking on the page for more about How to date soon.
Friday, November 14, 2008
How to Date
I plan on doing a 2 part series on How to date soon... So keep coming back to the site to hear more soon!!
xoxo Ramona
xoxo Ramona
Monday, November 10, 2008
Let's do Life together
Today I want to talk a little about friendship. We easily call somebody our friend, but do we really understand what friendship means?
According to Dictionary.com, the word friend is from before 900 and comes from the word to love. Now isn't that interesting that the word friend and love are connected? I am not suprised. And Jesus talks in John 15:13 about the greatest love of all, for it is to lay down your life for your friend. It Jesus's case that was meant literally, he laid down His life, so that we may be His friends!
So in order to understand what a friend is we first understand what love is. At this moment I like to quote 1. Corinthians 13
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! (NLT)
Having this in mind, let us ask ourselves: Am I really this kind of a friend? Am I enduring through every circumstance with my friends, o matter what comes? Have I ever given up on a friend?
I know none of us is perfect and through different stages of our lives, we have different friends, or people move away or go into different directions. I understand all of this. But look at the friendships you are having right now. How's your attitude about this friendship?
I once heard somebody say that in our journey of climbing the mountain there are people who walk before us, they lead and guide us on our journey. Then there are the people who come after us. Those are the ones we lead and guide on their jouney - oh what a responsibility!
And then there are those people who you are doing the journey with, you are climbing the mountain with them. Together you can do it, together you are able to go around one more time, make the next steps. These people are peers and friends. Do we have these kind of friends who we do the journey with or differently said, people who we do life with?
I want to encourage you today to find people like this. Don's shut yourself out thinking you can do it all alone. Find people you can trust. Build up these kind of friendships where love is the center of it. Find people to do life with!
So... enjoy the journey!
xoxo Ramona
According to Dictionary.com, the word friend is from before 900 and comes from the word to love. Now isn't that interesting that the word friend and love are connected? I am not suprised. And Jesus talks in John 15:13 about the greatest love of all, for it is to lay down your life for your friend. It Jesus's case that was meant literally, he laid down His life, so that we may be His friends!
So in order to understand what a friend is we first understand what love is. At this moment I like to quote 1. Corinthians 13
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! (NLT)
Having this in mind, let us ask ourselves: Am I really this kind of a friend? Am I enduring through every circumstance with my friends, o matter what comes? Have I ever given up on a friend?
I know none of us is perfect and through different stages of our lives, we have different friends, or people move away or go into different directions. I understand all of this. But look at the friendships you are having right now. How's your attitude about this friendship?
I once heard somebody say that in our journey of climbing the mountain there are people who walk before us, they lead and guide us on our journey. Then there are the people who come after us. Those are the ones we lead and guide on their jouney - oh what a responsibility!
And then there are those people who you are doing the journey with, you are climbing the mountain with them. Together you can do it, together you are able to go around one more time, make the next steps. These people are peers and friends. Do we have these kind of friends who we do the journey with or differently said, people who we do life with?
I want to encourage you today to find people like this. Don's shut yourself out thinking you can do it all alone. Find people you can trust. Build up these kind of friendships where love is the center of it. Find people to do life with!
So... enjoy the journey!
xoxo Ramona
Monday, November 3, 2008
My God is the God who provides
Hi... I mean hello,
I am so sorry that it took me forever to update this page. A lot has been going on in the last 2 months with the banquet for my pastors, Hillsong Conference in London (which was amazing, envisioning, encouraging and equipping) and visits at my grandmothers! Life is great and I belong to a great God who is ever faithful, ever loving and ever true! What would I do without him. I have such a love for the Lord in my heart I cannot describe it!
Here are the words of a worship song which I fell in love with recently:
Desert Song
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
This is my prayer in the fire
In weekness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved to more worh than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and he is here
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir of Christ
So firm on his promise I stand
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
And I have have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow
I hope that your walk with the Lord is going good that you pursue to go deeper with Him and love Him more every day!
Love
Ramona
I am so sorry that it took me forever to update this page. A lot has been going on in the last 2 months with the banquet for my pastors, Hillsong Conference in London (which was amazing, envisioning, encouraging and equipping) and visits at my grandmothers! Life is great and I belong to a great God who is ever faithful, ever loving and ever true! What would I do without him. I have such a love for the Lord in my heart I cannot describe it!
Here are the words of a worship song which I fell in love with recently:
Desert Song
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
This is my prayer in the fire
In weekness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved to more worh than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and he is here
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir of Christ
So firm on his promise I stand
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
And I have have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow
I hope that your walk with the Lord is going good that you pursue to go deeper with Him and love Him more every day!
Love
Ramona
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A Wife of Noble Character
Hello out there! Today I want to share with you a piece of scripture which deeply impresses me every time I read it... It's from Proverbs 31 and talks about the noble wife:
"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls.
She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise."
"Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls.
She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise."
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Examine your Heart
First of all: The 35 year celebration yesterday night was amazing. Thanks to all who were involved with helping, supporting and being there. It would not have been possible without you!
Today's topic will be the last of the series of The Exciting times of Waiting. So before we'll get into the topic let's review what we've learned and talked about thus far. Our key verse during this time was from Isaiah 40, Vers 31:
We heard, that waiting is good because it is the time for you to prepare for God's plan for your life! There are three stages in life: Time of preparation. Time of fulfillment and time of sharing your wisdom. And this time of preparation, this waiting time is so essential, because we know that quality takes time and it is during that time that God can shape us according to His will so that we may fulfill His plan for our lives and make the right decision. We've learned from King David's life that he was called to be the king years before he was actually chosen.
During the waiting times we therefore gain wisdom and learn disciplin. During those times God wants us to be faithful and trust Him that He has a good plan for us and that He will reveil it as His time comes and we're ready. But overall we must love people because by loving others God's love is shown.
We also learned that the Holy Spirit helps us during the Waiting time to make the right decisions. He gives wisdom and strength and guidance. And we need strength to endure during the Waiting Times! And last time we talked about discovering our identity which lies in Jesus Christ.
Today we'll talk about examining your heart.
We should know who we are in Christ to find out His calling on our lives. In Psalm 27:1-4, David expresses it so wonderfully how he steps into His calling. He didn't know what was ahead but with faith and trust he knew God was bigger! So we read: "The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. 4 The one thing I ask of the LORD— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple."
Your heart/spririt is the most precious thing which has been giving to you. So take care of it. Your heart or the attitude in your heart decides how your future wil look like. It is essential and vital to life!
Therefore ask God to examine your heart. Is your heart really truly with God? Does he have your whole heart or just a part of it?
How do you do that? The following questions will help you and will be a guideline to check your heart.
When was the last time that you cried over sin in your life?
When was the last time you cried becaus of injustice?
When was the last time that you cried over your friends who are not with God?
When was the last time that you really felt and experienced God's peace and rest?
When was the last time that everything was fine between you and God?
How does your heart look like?
I want to encourage you to ask yourself these questions and really look deep into your heart. If you find that things are not so good between you and God. Work on it. Talk with Him about it. He cares for He loves you.
I want to finish this series with a verse from proverbs which should be written on all of our hearts:
Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
Today's topic will be the last of the series of The Exciting times of Waiting. So before we'll get into the topic let's review what we've learned and talked about thus far. Our key verse during this time was from Isaiah 40, Vers 31:
"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
We heard, that waiting is good because it is the time for you to prepare for God's plan for your life! There are three stages in life: Time of preparation. Time of fulfillment and time of sharing your wisdom. And this time of preparation, this waiting time is so essential, because we know that quality takes time and it is during that time that God can shape us according to His will so that we may fulfill His plan for our lives and make the right decision. We've learned from King David's life that he was called to be the king years before he was actually chosen.
During the waiting times we therefore gain wisdom and learn disciplin. During those times God wants us to be faithful and trust Him that He has a good plan for us and that He will reveil it as His time comes and we're ready. But overall we must love people because by loving others God's love is shown.
We also learned that the Holy Spirit helps us during the Waiting time to make the right decisions. He gives wisdom and strength and guidance. And we need strength to endure during the Waiting Times! And last time we talked about discovering our identity which lies in Jesus Christ.
Today we'll talk about examining your heart.
We should know who we are in Christ to find out His calling on our lives. In Psalm 27:1-4, David expresses it so wonderfully how he steps into His calling. He didn't know what was ahead but with faith and trust he knew God was bigger! So we read: "The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. 4 The one thing I ask of the LORD— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple."
Your heart/spririt is the most precious thing which has been giving to you. So take care of it. Your heart or the attitude in your heart decides how your future wil look like. It is essential and vital to life!
Therefore ask God to examine your heart. Is your heart really truly with God? Does he have your whole heart or just a part of it?
How do you do that? The following questions will help you and will be a guideline to check your heart.
When was the last time that you cried over sin in your life?
When was the last time you cried becaus of injustice?
When was the last time that you cried over your friends who are not with God?
When was the last time that you really felt and experienced God's peace and rest?
When was the last time that everything was fine between you and God?
How does your heart look like?
I want to encourage you to ask yourself these questions and really look deep into your heart. If you find that things are not so good between you and God. Work on it. Talk with Him about it. He cares for He loves you.
I want to finish this series with a verse from proverbs which should be written on all of our hearts:
Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Discover your Identity
Hello to the World!
Just got back from the most amazing Campfour ever! With our theme FRESH we had the best camp ever down in Croatia! God was moving and changing young people's lives.
I was refreshed and reminded at why I do love working with youth and how much I love those people!!!
But I also don't want to forget about my topic The Exciting Times of Waiting! Today I want to talk a little about Discovering Your Identity. First of all let us remember the verse which goes with this topic.
"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
In order to find out who you are, what your identity is, you first need to find out who your God ist, how He is like. After that you can find out who you are in Him.
This is why you can use your Waiting time, where you learn more about your God, to also find out who you are in Him, because this will help you discovering His plan and will for you life and hence discovering your identity.
Let's remember David's story. He was called to be the King of Israel years and years before He was chosen. During that time He had to find out who He was in His God. Remember the story of David and Goliath. He could never have gained victory over the giant if it had not been for God. David knew he could trust His God. He knew who he was in Him. That is why he was victorious.
And so you also will find your identity in Jesus Christ when you follow Him.
Here are some reminders who you are. Most of them you can read in Psalm 139!
You are ACCEPTED
You are LOVED
You are WANTED
You are APPRECIATED
You are PROTECTED
You are KNOWN
Remember that God gave everything so you may know that. You are a NEW PERSON a NEW IDENTIY in Him.
That's it for today. I hope you enjoyed the pictures and I pray that you would be encouraged by this blog.
I love each and everyone of you. God has a mighty plan for YOUR Life. Don't forget: The Waiting times are the exciting times!
xoxo Ramona
Just got back from the most amazing Campfour ever! With our theme FRESH we had the best camp ever down in Croatia! God was moving and changing young people's lives.
I was refreshed and reminded at why I do love working with youth and how much I love those people!!!
But I also don't want to forget about my topic The Exciting Times of Waiting! Today I want to talk a little about Discovering Your Identity. First of all let us remember the verse which goes with this topic.
"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
In order to find out who you are, what your identity is, you first need to find out who your God ist, how He is like. After that you can find out who you are in Him.
This is why you can use your Waiting time, where you learn more about your God, to also find out who you are in Him, because this will help you discovering His plan and will for you life and hence discovering your identity.
Let's remember David's story. He was called to be the King of Israel years and years before He was chosen. During that time He had to find out who He was in His God. Remember the story of David and Goliath. He could never have gained victory over the giant if it had not been for God. David knew he could trust His God. He knew who he was in Him. That is why he was victorious.
And so you also will find your identity in Jesus Christ when you follow Him.
Here are some reminders who you are. Most of them you can read in Psalm 139!
You are ACCEPTED
You are LOVED
You are WANTED
You are APPRECIATED
You are PROTECTED
You are KNOWN
Remember that God gave everything so you may know that. You are a NEW PERSON a NEW IDENTIY in Him.
That's it for today. I hope you enjoyed the pictures and I pray that you would be encouraged by this blog.
I love each and everyone of you. God has a mighty plan for YOUR Life. Don't forget: The Waiting times are the exciting times!
xoxo Ramona
Friday, August 22, 2008
Sorry and Soon
Hi to all of you!
I am sooo sorry I haven't been blogging for quite a while. Times have been rather busy lately with having to finish my first bachelor thesis and Campfour 2008/FRESH coming up next week!
I will be back soon though!
Until then please
~ pray for favor with the people who read my thesis... may it have an impact
~ pray for an amazing Campfour 2008... may it be the best Camp thus far where young people get refreshed and make lifechanging decisions. God has a big plan for this Camp!
You'll hear from me again when I'm back from camp.
Until then... remember to Live Now and enjoy the Exciting times of waiting!
Much Love
Ramona
I am sooo sorry I haven't been blogging for quite a while. Times have been rather busy lately with having to finish my first bachelor thesis and Campfour 2008/FRESH coming up next week!
I will be back soon though!
Until then please
~ pray for favor with the people who read my thesis... may it have an impact
~ pray for an amazing Campfour 2008... may it be the best Camp thus far where young people get refreshed and make lifechanging decisions. God has a big plan for this Camp!
You'll hear from me again when I'm back from camp.
Until then... remember to Live Now and enjoy the Exciting times of waiting!
Much Love
Ramona
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
A Moment of Memory
Hello out there readers of my blog! I appreciate you reading and don't worry I will go on talking about the Exciting times of waiting very soon!
But today I want to take a moment and remember. It is now one year ago that I came back from Santa Barbara. Staggering, how time flies by, isn't it? Well, looking back at this year I am amazed about how wonderfully God was moving in my life, how he brought things into place, worked at my character and made me grow in Him. This year truly tells a story, but this story will be told soon through a CD which I am putting togehter.
Anyways, today shall be in memory of my time in California and the best way of doing this will be through pictures so I am doing a little picture revival. Hope you enjoy it and I am looking forward to hearing from you.
I love each and everyone one of you, I pray for you constantly and hope to see a lot of you soon or again or someday or tomorrow! May God bless you exceedingly, abundantly and above in every area of you life.
Much love. Ramona
But today I want to take a moment and remember. It is now one year ago that I came back from Santa Barbara. Staggering, how time flies by, isn't it? Well, looking back at this year I am amazed about how wonderfully God was moving in my life, how he brought things into place, worked at my character and made me grow in Him. This year truly tells a story, but this story will be told soon through a CD which I am putting togehter.
Anyways, today shall be in memory of my time in California and the best way of doing this will be through pictures so I am doing a little picture revival. Hope you enjoy it and I am looking forward to hearing from you.
I love each and everyone one of you, I pray for you constantly and hope to see a lot of you soon or again or someday or tomorrow! May God bless you exceedingly, abundantly and above in every area of you life.
Much love. Ramona
Friday, June 13, 2008
Paint your Picture
Hi everyone! Before going on with my series about the Exciting Times of Waiting, I have to share this little story with you which is absolutly stunning and encouraging! I just started reading "Boy meets Girl" by Joshua Harris and so far I like it, although I've only red 20 pages thus far.
Anyways, he shares this great little story about the master painter and although in the book it is meant for how to pursue courtship, I want to use it here as an encouagement for how to live and pursue our lives for God and not being discouraged when we look at how other people deal with that.
So here you go:
"Imagine that you're a student in an art class. You and dozens of classmates are learning from a master painter. One day your teacher displays a painting of his own. It's an incredible work of art, and he wants each one of you to copy it.
You're about to begin working when you turn to look at the person next to you. You're surprised to note that he has a larger brush than you and a different kind of canvas. You look around at the rest of the class. Some students have acrylic paint, others watercolor, still others oil - and everyone is using different colors. Though you all have the same assignment, you each have completely different materials. This frustrates you. Some students have materials you would prefer for yourself. Why should they get them?
You're not the only student to notice the disparity. A hand goes up on your left. A girl with only a ragged brush and three pale shades of blue on her palette is noticeably agitated. "This isn't fair," she tells the teacher. "How do you expect me to duplicate your painting when the people around me have so many more colors to choose from?"
The teacher smiles. "Don't worry about the other students," he says. "I've carefully chosen brushes and paints for each of you. Trust me. You have what you need to complete the assignment. Remember, your goal is not to create a painting that mirrors the person next to you, but to do your best with the materials I've given you to replicate my painting."
I hope to be able to encourage you with this story as you continue the walk in the exciting times of waiting. Remember, God wants you to follow His plan, not the plan he has for other people's life.
Much love and until next time. Ramona
Anyways, he shares this great little story about the master painter and although in the book it is meant for how to pursue courtship, I want to use it here as an encouagement for how to live and pursue our lives for God and not being discouraged when we look at how other people deal with that.
So here you go:
"Imagine that you're a student in an art class. You and dozens of classmates are learning from a master painter. One day your teacher displays a painting of his own. It's an incredible work of art, and he wants each one of you to copy it.
You're about to begin working when you turn to look at the person next to you. You're surprised to note that he has a larger brush than you and a different kind of canvas. You look around at the rest of the class. Some students have acrylic paint, others watercolor, still others oil - and everyone is using different colors. Though you all have the same assignment, you each have completely different materials. This frustrates you. Some students have materials you would prefer for yourself. Why should they get them?
You're not the only student to notice the disparity. A hand goes up on your left. A girl with only a ragged brush and three pale shades of blue on her palette is noticeably agitated. "This isn't fair," she tells the teacher. "How do you expect me to duplicate your painting when the people around me have so many more colors to choose from?"
The teacher smiles. "Don't worry about the other students," he says. "I've carefully chosen brushes and paints for each of you. Trust me. You have what you need to complete the assignment. Remember, your goal is not to create a painting that mirrors the person next to you, but to do your best with the materials I've given you to replicate my painting."
I hope to be able to encourage you with this story as you continue the walk in the exciting times of waiting. Remember, God wants you to follow His plan, not the plan he has for other people's life.
Much love and until next time. Ramona
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wondering
Today was my last day of school. I didn't really grasp that completely until today shortly before it began. I mean... it's over now. Sure, I still have finals coming up next week but still. No more classes and lectures, no more group work.
I felt quite sentimental today and it felt really strange because I do not at all feel like a new time in my life is about to start.... it feels like continuing as usual...
So there's no euphoria, no final last words... just a usual day... and I wonder if this is right...
I felt quite sentimental today and it felt really strange because I do not at all feel like a new time in my life is about to start.... it feels like continuing as usual...
So there's no euphoria, no final last words... just a usual day... and I wonder if this is right...
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The right and wrong way to deal with the waiting time
Buenos dias everybody! I am excited about God and how marvellous he is, aren't you?! I mean He is the provider and He loves us, He has such a great and special plan for each one of us and He created us in such a unique way that He can reach the people in our sphere of influence! I love my God!
Well... I guess we're all still in the waiting time and last time we talked about the path of being called to being chosen and that we need to be disciplined, wise, faithful and loving! So how are you doing with that so far? Are you trusting God to fulfill your destiny? Have you been struggling lately? I believe we all are struggling at some point because we still live in a fallen world, but let me tell you this. If you have Jesus Christ as your saviour in your life, than you are an overcomer, you are victorious and you are a child of the Light! Light is within you and let me also tell you this: The same strength that conquered the cross lives in YOU and the same love that rescued the earth lives in YOU!!! So next time you feel like you are in the dessert or in front of a huge mountain... breathe... relax and trust! Trust in the Lord and he will make your path straight!
As we remember that Qualtiy takes time we can also say that God uses this time to sharpen us in the various times of the Waiting time!
So instead of not caring about it or being angry about certaing things, allow God to work on you and welcome this time of testing! When you allow that and God sees your heart and knows that He can trust you with little things he can then also trust us with the big things... but in order to get there we must allow him to work on us.
You know, to know and understand God's ways is indispensable in our life! Let us turn to Proverbs 3:11 to have a closer look at this: "My child, don't reject the LORD's discipline, and don't be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
Now doesn't that sound great? I think it does! He delights in us and therefore corrects and disciplines us!
And how are we going to deal with it? Well... the Waiting time is the best time to get to know the Holy Spirit!
What are his functions?
1. Disclose sin
2. Reveil God
3. Show what is yet to come
So don't be discouraged when you find trials in your life, but embrace them to grow in the Lord and get to know the Holy Spirit because He will help you to deal with the Waiting time in the right way. Next time we'll talk how to be strengthed in the waiting time... so stay connected and leave me a comment... I would love to hear from you!
Love. Ramona
Well... I guess we're all still in the waiting time and last time we talked about the path of being called to being chosen and that we need to be disciplined, wise, faithful and loving! So how are you doing with that so far? Are you trusting God to fulfill your destiny? Have you been struggling lately? I believe we all are struggling at some point because we still live in a fallen world, but let me tell you this. If you have Jesus Christ as your saviour in your life, than you are an overcomer, you are victorious and you are a child of the Light! Light is within you and let me also tell you this: The same strength that conquered the cross lives in YOU and the same love that rescued the earth lives in YOU!!! So next time you feel like you are in the dessert or in front of a huge mountain... breathe... relax and trust! Trust in the Lord and he will make your path straight!
As we remember that Qualtiy takes time we can also say that God uses this time to sharpen us in the various times of the Waiting time!
So instead of not caring about it or being angry about certaing things, allow God to work on you and welcome this time of testing! When you allow that and God sees your heart and knows that He can trust you with little things he can then also trust us with the big things... but in order to get there we must allow him to work on us.
You know, to know and understand God's ways is indispensable in our life! Let us turn to Proverbs 3:11 to have a closer look at this: "My child, don't reject the LORD's discipline, and don't be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."
Now doesn't that sound great? I think it does! He delights in us and therefore corrects and disciplines us!
And how are we going to deal with it? Well... the Waiting time is the best time to get to know the Holy Spirit!
What are his functions?
1. Disclose sin
2. Reveil God
3. Show what is yet to come
So don't be discouraged when you find trials in your life, but embrace them to grow in the Lord and get to know the Holy Spirit because He will help you to deal with the Waiting time in the right way. Next time we'll talk how to be strengthed in the waiting time... so stay connected and leave me a comment... I would love to hear from you!
Love. Ramona
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
From being called to being chosen
Hi... I mean Hello! Today I will come back to my series about the exciting times of waiting. But before we get into today's topic I want to resume again a little of what we have talked about.
We remember of course our Verse from Isaiah 40:31 "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." I still get excited everytime I read that verse! We also discussed, that waiting doesn't mean we can idle time away but we know that quality takes time and therefore the waiting times are preperation time. We are being prepared to fulfill our calling.
We know that we are all called but how do we get from the calling to be chosen? Remember that David was called to be king years before he was actually chosen? During this time he built his foundation on the Lord. He gained wisdom and learnt discipline.
But how now to be get to be chosen? Well let us take a look at Proverbs 1:7 "Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge,but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Doesn't that remind us a lot of what we heard last time when we learnt about how to wait? But there's more to it when we again look at Isaiah! It says there that those who Trust in the Lord will find new strength! And then in proverbs it says that we should be Fearful and then gain wisdom!
Hence, when we trust and fear the Lord we will grow into the wisdom which will guide us towards fulfilling our calling!
And on top of that we should Love the Lord with all our hearts and be faithful. So let's repeat the four things that will help us to reach our calling:
LOVE WISDOM DISCIPLIN FAITHFULNESS
So I want to encourage you to use the waiting time to be disciplined and faithful to God because then you gain wisdom. I also want to encourage you to love the people around you. Use the time to live out God's love! Start seeing people through God's eyes and the compassion he has for them. Love People!
So far so good... I already so look forward to next time where we will talk about the right and wrong way of dealing with the times of waiting!
But until then. Love!
Ramona
We remember of course our Verse from Isaiah 40:31 "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." I still get excited everytime I read that verse! We also discussed, that waiting doesn't mean we can idle time away but we know that quality takes time and therefore the waiting times are preperation time. We are being prepared to fulfill our calling.
We know that we are all called but how do we get from the calling to be chosen? Remember that David was called to be king years before he was actually chosen? During this time he built his foundation on the Lord. He gained wisdom and learnt discipline.
But how now to be get to be chosen? Well let us take a look at Proverbs 1:7 "Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge,but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Doesn't that remind us a lot of what we heard last time when we learnt about how to wait? But there's more to it when we again look at Isaiah! It says there that those who Trust in the Lord will find new strength! And then in proverbs it says that we should be Fearful and then gain wisdom!
Hence, when we trust and fear the Lord we will grow into the wisdom which will guide us towards fulfilling our calling!
And on top of that we should Love the Lord with all our hearts and be faithful. So let's repeat the four things that will help us to reach our calling:
LOVE WISDOM DISCIPLIN FAITHFULNESS
So I want to encourage you to use the waiting time to be disciplined and faithful to God because then you gain wisdom. I also want to encourage you to love the people around you. Use the time to live out God's love! Start seeing people through God's eyes and the compassion he has for them. Love People!
So far so good... I already so look forward to next time where we will talk about the right and wrong way of dealing with the times of waiting!
But until then. Love!
Ramona
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Strengthened during the Waiting Time
Before I will go on with the series about the Exciting times of Waiting I have to tell you that I finished University today, well at least all the classes and finals. It's so exciting and now I only need to right two bachelour theses and I'm done.
And the thing I discovered when thinking about it was that when I first started university I really didn't know what God's calling for my life was. I mean I knew God had a great and wonderful calling but it just wasn't so clear. And during the duration of university I slowly started to see the bigger picture and at least get glimpses here and there and get the direction. So I am in these exciting times of waiting and I can tell you, sometimes it just isn't easy when you lose sight or lose motivation and then sometimes there are hard times but God is always good and he cares and we can be like those eagles soaring up high (see previous blogs about this topic), we can do everything through God who strengthens us.
And this is exactly what I will talk about today. "How to be strengthened during the Waiting time". Last time we started talking about the Holy Spirit so I will continue this a little bit because the Waiting time, time which is the time of preparation for what's to come, is the best time to get to know the Holy Spirit.
There are three things which are crucial here:
He will give strength
He will give assurance and security
He will give conviction
How do we know that? Well when we turn to Luke 24:49 we can read: "And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven." Interestingly when continuing to read it can be seen that those are the very last words Jesus said to his disciples so I am guessing the last words he says to them must be important and what does he say here? The Holy Spririt will give us strength! Oh I am excited about that! So often we think we have to carry all these things around like worries, fear, anxieties but in actual fact when we are children of God, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, strengthening us!
Looking again at that verse we see that Jesus insisted them to STAY in the city, so they had to wait. But were they suppossed to just sit there in the temple and wait and stagnate? I don't think so. It was ACTIVE WATING! Therefore anything I experience or go through and happens to me I can either endure or I can start being active! How can I do that? How can I get through all this mess or the happy times or the decisions I have to make?
When we look at what the Holy Sprit stands for we will receive the answer. The Holy Spirit, the greek word Paraclete, means:
1. Comforter
2. Counselor
3. Helper
4. Advocate
5. Assistant
6. Strengthener (strength-giver)
This is such a great list of all the things available for me and I can conclude here that through the Holy Spirit I am EMPOWERED!!!
You are empowered! Don't be afraid, believe and wait actively!
xoxo Ramona
And the thing I discovered when thinking about it was that when I first started university I really didn't know what God's calling for my life was. I mean I knew God had a great and wonderful calling but it just wasn't so clear. And during the duration of university I slowly started to see the bigger picture and at least get glimpses here and there and get the direction. So I am in these exciting times of waiting and I can tell you, sometimes it just isn't easy when you lose sight or lose motivation and then sometimes there are hard times but God is always good and he cares and we can be like those eagles soaring up high (see previous blogs about this topic), we can do everything through God who strengthens us.
And this is exactly what I will talk about today. "How to be strengthened during the Waiting time". Last time we started talking about the Holy Spirit so I will continue this a little bit because the Waiting time, time which is the time of preparation for what's to come, is the best time to get to know the Holy Spirit.
There are three things which are crucial here:
He will give strength
He will give assurance and security
He will give conviction
How do we know that? Well when we turn to Luke 24:49 we can read: "And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven." Interestingly when continuing to read it can be seen that those are the very last words Jesus said to his disciples so I am guessing the last words he says to them must be important and what does he say here? The Holy Spririt will give us strength! Oh I am excited about that! So often we think we have to carry all these things around like worries, fear, anxieties but in actual fact when we are children of God, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, strengthening us!
Looking again at that verse we see that Jesus insisted them to STAY in the city, so they had to wait. But were they suppossed to just sit there in the temple and wait and stagnate? I don't think so. It was ACTIVE WATING! Therefore anything I experience or go through and happens to me I can either endure or I can start being active! How can I do that? How can I get through all this mess or the happy times or the decisions I have to make?
When we look at what the Holy Sprit stands for we will receive the answer. The Holy Spirit, the greek word Paraclete, means:
1. Comforter
2. Counselor
3. Helper
4. Advocate
5. Assistant
6. Strengthener (strength-giver)
This is such a great list of all the things available for me and I can conclude here that through the Holy Spirit I am EMPOWERED!!!
You are empowered! Don't be afraid, believe and wait actively!
xoxo Ramona
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Colour 2008
Hello! As you can see I changed the look of my site a little... and usually pink is not my colour at all but since I just got back from Colour 2008 I decided to give my site a litte "femine touch"
Alright then... I will continue with "The exciting times of waiting" very soon but before that I really need to tell you a litte bit about my time in London.
As most of you know, Colour is a conference from Hillsong church Australia for women. It was held in London and I must say... we only had sunny days... almost no rain
The conference was incredible! I was pumped up, refreshed, empowered, guided and now ready to change the world!
The conference was held in the beautiful Royal Albert Hall and the speakers were amazing! The stage setting, the worship times, the prayer, the videos everything was so amazing and beautiful that you had to open your heart and hear from God. I was ready to hear and I can say now that I am one step further in my journey of waiting! Glory to God! He is sooo faithful and revealed himself to me, spoke to me through scripture and the sermons. I let go of a few things, made decisions and I am ready!
Well, I think pictures mostly speak more than words so I decided to post some to give you an impression of this weekend including the sight-seeing times with my friends. So... Enjoy!
1. The view from our seats 2. The Royal Albert Hall 3. Free ice cream! 4. The Sisterhood seeking to place value upon humanity 5. Creatvitiy 6. A colour gift 7. Tower Bridge 8. sight-seeing with my friends
Of course these are just some impressions. For more pictures click HERE
Alrighty... until next time... live life magnificently, trust God and change the world!
Ramona
Alright then... I will continue with "The exciting times of waiting" very soon but before that I really need to tell you a litte bit about my time in London.
As most of you know, Colour is a conference from Hillsong church Australia for women. It was held in London and I must say... we only had sunny days... almost no rain
The conference was incredible! I was pumped up, refreshed, empowered, guided and now ready to change the world!
The conference was held in the beautiful Royal Albert Hall and the speakers were amazing! The stage setting, the worship times, the prayer, the videos everything was so amazing and beautiful that you had to open your heart and hear from God. I was ready to hear and I can say now that I am one step further in my journey of waiting! Glory to God! He is sooo faithful and revealed himself to me, spoke to me through scripture and the sermons. I let go of a few things, made decisions and I am ready!
Well, I think pictures mostly speak more than words so I decided to post some to give you an impression of this weekend including the sight-seeing times with my friends. So... Enjoy!
1. The view from our seats 2. The Royal Albert Hall 3. Free ice cream! 4. The Sisterhood seeking to place value upon humanity 5. Creatvitiy 6. A colour gift 7. Tower Bridge 8. sight-seeing with my friends
Of course these are just some impressions. For more pictures click HERE
Alrighty... until next time... live life magnificently, trust God and change the world!
Ramona
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Learning to Wait - Part 2
Finally I am back! We are still talking about the exciting times of waiting and today I again want to talk about learning of waiting again. But before we do that let's remember again what we've talked about thus far.
Let us remember the verse in Isaiah 40:31 "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." I love this verse sooo much. Let us trust in the Lord, let us soar like the eagles... have you ever seen an eagle soaring up in the sky... oh there freedom and strength! I'm getting excited here!!!
Furthermore let us remember that Waiting is good and it is the preparation time because Quality takes time!
So far so good. And as we discussed last time there are three stages, the preparation, the fulfilling and the sharing. Well now, we know that we are called and it seems like we need to wait for our calling to happen like David had to. Remember that he had been annointed years before he acutally stepped into his calling? But what did He do during this time? He waited on the Lord!
The trials and testings happen within the waiting time and it is then that we have to stick to God. We will be tempted for sure and we will be tried, but if we stick to the Lord and continue walking with Him single minded he will provide for sure!
Therefore welcome the testings and allow God to work on you so that you may grow! Why that? Well, because God is building up a basis, a strong fundament!
This implies that we need to be faithful and obedient. Oh yes I know, we don't like this word... obedience, but believe me being obedient to God is the best thing you could ever do and there's blessing if you obey. And I can tell a big story about this one!
Hence, during my waiting time when I stick to God, I am faithful and obey I also need to serve faithfully! And what happens then? Well, waiting is good for a few things
Waiting = GAINING WISDOM. While we are waiting and sticking to God, we follow him and learn more about him in His word and therefore gain wisdom.
Waiting = LEARNING DISCIPLIN. While waiting I can learn patience and I learn what it really means to follow God because he is my source of wisdom and confidence!
And once stepped into our calling and fulfilling time we know how to walk with God, we know Him, we can take wise decisions and He can count on us because we are not blown back and forth by the wind!
I can only encourage you to stick in there and Learn to Wait!
Until next time... xoxo Ramona
Let us remember the verse in Isaiah 40:31 "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." I love this verse sooo much. Let us trust in the Lord, let us soar like the eagles... have you ever seen an eagle soaring up in the sky... oh there freedom and strength! I'm getting excited here!!!
Furthermore let us remember that Waiting is good and it is the preparation time because Quality takes time!
So far so good. And as we discussed last time there are three stages, the preparation, the fulfilling and the sharing. Well now, we know that we are called and it seems like we need to wait for our calling to happen like David had to. Remember that he had been annointed years before he acutally stepped into his calling? But what did He do during this time? He waited on the Lord!
The trials and testings happen within the waiting time and it is then that we have to stick to God. We will be tempted for sure and we will be tried, but if we stick to the Lord and continue walking with Him single minded he will provide for sure!
Therefore welcome the testings and allow God to work on you so that you may grow! Why that? Well, because God is building up a basis, a strong fundament!
This implies that we need to be faithful and obedient. Oh yes I know, we don't like this word... obedience, but believe me being obedient to God is the best thing you could ever do and there's blessing if you obey. And I can tell a big story about this one!
Hence, during my waiting time when I stick to God, I am faithful and obey I also need to serve faithfully! And what happens then? Well, waiting is good for a few things
Waiting = GAINING WISDOM. While we are waiting and sticking to God, we follow him and learn more about him in His word and therefore gain wisdom.
Waiting = LEARNING DISCIPLIN. While waiting I can learn patience and I learn what it really means to follow God because he is my source of wisdom and confidence!
And once stepped into our calling and fulfilling time we know how to walk with God, we know Him, we can take wise decisions and He can count on us because we are not blown back and forth by the wind!
I can only encourage you to stick in there and Learn to Wait!
Until next time... xoxo Ramona
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Faithful
Ok, before I continue with my series about the exciting times of waiting, I have to share these lyrics by Brooke Fraser with you. They totally fit into the waiting time, being patient, being faithful and trusting... so enjoy.
Love. Ramona
There's distance in the air and I cannot make it leave
i wave my arms' round about me and blow with all my might
I cannot sense you close, though I know you're always here
But the comfort of you near is what i long for
When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same
When I can't hear you, I know you still hear everyword I pray
And i want you more than i want to live another day
And as I wait for you maybe I'm made more faithful
All the folly of the past, though I know it is undone
i still feel the guilty one, still trying to make it right
So i whisper soft your name, let it roll around my tounge,
knowing you're the only one who knows me
You know me
Show me how I should live this
Show me where I should walk
I count this world as loss to me
You are all I want
You are all I want
Love. Ramona
There's distance in the air and I cannot make it leave
i wave my arms' round about me and blow with all my might
I cannot sense you close, though I know you're always here
But the comfort of you near is what i long for
When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same
When I can't hear you, I know you still hear everyword I pray
And i want you more than i want to live another day
And as I wait for you maybe I'm made more faithful
All the folly of the past, though I know it is undone
i still feel the guilty one, still trying to make it right
So i whisper soft your name, let it roll around my tounge,
knowing you're the only one who knows me
You know me
Show me how I should live this
Show me where I should walk
I count this world as loss to me
You are all I want
You are all I want
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Learning to Wait - Part 1
I am still talking about the exciting times of waiting. Last time was a little introduction. We learned that dreams are important and that the waiting time is preperation time. Therefore we have to keep in mind: Waiting does NOT equal ideling time away!
Today we'll talk about the 3 phases of life in the exciting times of waiting.
1. Preperation time
During this phase we are being prepared for the great plan God has for our lives. We know we are called for something (and I am not talking about our everlasting calling to be salt and light!). We might not be ready yet to fulfill this calling but God wants to use this time to prepare us and shape us. During this time God can also test our endurance. Are we the right person to be used by God or do we just squander life? Or are we standing firm in God, waiting for him, following Him, putting our whole focus on Him, being single minded. This time is crucial and it is here we make the big decision whether we really do follow or not. There are no grey areas with God. It's either fully completely surrendered or not. Are we willing to give everything to follow God?
It's in this phase we have to ask God to examine us, if we really want it. It's when we ask God search our hearts and shape us.
2. Time of fulfilling
During this phase, we are living out God's calling for our life. We are within the calling! Sometimes it just takes a while to get to this phase. Look at David's life. He was called to be the King years before He became the king, but he waited on the Lord to fulfill it.
3. Time of sharing it
In this phase we share with others our wisdom, what we have learned and we shape others.
All these phases are sooo important and the one thing is that we always should follow God and examine our hearts every once in a while if we're still on track. Ask God to put His finger on areas where you are weak and let Him show you these areas so that we can grow. We should always strive for being closer to him, being more like him. This healthy discontenment where we always want to grow is a good thing.
So remember out of these phases where God shapes us: Quality takes time!
So click back on my site soon for "Learning to Wait - Part 2"
In Him, let us grow!
Ramona
Today we'll talk about the 3 phases of life in the exciting times of waiting.
1. Preperation time
During this phase we are being prepared for the great plan God has for our lives. We know we are called for something (and I am not talking about our everlasting calling to be salt and light!). We might not be ready yet to fulfill this calling but God wants to use this time to prepare us and shape us. During this time God can also test our endurance. Are we the right person to be used by God or do we just squander life? Or are we standing firm in God, waiting for him, following Him, putting our whole focus on Him, being single minded. This time is crucial and it is here we make the big decision whether we really do follow or not. There are no grey areas with God. It's either fully completely surrendered or not. Are we willing to give everything to follow God?
It's in this phase we have to ask God to examine us, if we really want it. It's when we ask God search our hearts and shape us.
2. Time of fulfilling
During this phase, we are living out God's calling for our life. We are within the calling! Sometimes it just takes a while to get to this phase. Look at David's life. He was called to be the King years before He became the king, but he waited on the Lord to fulfill it.
3. Time of sharing it
In this phase we share with others our wisdom, what we have learned and we shape others.
All these phases are sooo important and the one thing is that we always should follow God and examine our hearts every once in a while if we're still on track. Ask God to put His finger on areas where you are weak and let Him show you these areas so that we can grow. We should always strive for being closer to him, being more like him. This healthy discontenment where we always want to grow is a good thing.
So remember out of these phases where God shapes us: Quality takes time!
So click back on my site soon for "Learning to Wait - Part 2"
In Him, let us grow!
Ramona
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wait a Moment... the exciting times of waiting
As you know the title of my blog lately has been the exciting times of waiting. Not only is this the phase I am in right now but also it was/still is the series we're talking about at you(th) at the moment.
Therefore I decided to start a little series here, recapturing what we talked about at you(th).
Today I will just start with a few basics... the verse we will try to keep in mind is from Isaiah 40:31 and it says
I love this verse. Those who trust in the Lord will soar like the eagles! Wow.. eagles can fly high... they reach for the sky. And sometimes that's what we should do... have dreams, trust in the Lord that he will make those dreams come true. So here are three things about dreams:
1. A DREAM is like a protection for my life
2. Have the WILL to succeed
3. A DREAM gives us te WILL to serve which we are called for
But we also know, that dreams do not come true in an instant. It needs time often and God wants to use this time to prepare us for His calling for our lives.
Therefore this time between now and the fulfilling of you dream and God's calling can be the most important time of you life. Why? Because it is this time where you gain experience and your character is formed! This time can be used by God to form you, sharpen your character and make you the person he intended you to be and makes you able to fulfill your dream and His calling!
So, summarized let's remember the following:
Waiting is good! It is the time of preparation!
Well, that's it for today. Come back to my blog soon to learn more about the exciting times of waiting!
Till then... love. Ramona
Therefore I decided to start a little series here, recapturing what we talked about at you(th).
Today I will just start with a few basics... the verse we will try to keep in mind is from Isaiah 40:31 and it says
"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high
on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk
and not faint."
I love this verse. Those who trust in the Lord will soar like the eagles! Wow.. eagles can fly high... they reach for the sky. And sometimes that's what we should do... have dreams, trust in the Lord that he will make those dreams come true. So here are three things about dreams:
1. A DREAM is like a protection for my life
2. Have the WILL to succeed
3. A DREAM gives us te WILL to serve which we are called for
But we also know, that dreams do not come true in an instant. It needs time often and God wants to use this time to prepare us for His calling for our lives.
Therefore this time between now and the fulfilling of you dream and God's calling can be the most important time of you life. Why? Because it is this time where you gain experience and your character is formed! This time can be used by God to form you, sharpen your character and make you the person he intended you to be and makes you able to fulfill your dream and His calling!
So, summarized let's remember the following:
Waiting is good! It is the time of preparation!
Well, that's it for today. Come back to my blog soon to learn more about the exciting times of waiting!
Till then... love. Ramona
Friday, April 11, 2008
The Soundtrack of my Life
Again I am amazed and astonished by the power of music... I mean... sure we all know that but sometimes the most simple things that we've known about all our life strike us...
Do you know this feeling when you are listening to random music and all of a sudden a song comes up and with it memories, situations, pictures, people, smells?
Today was such a situation and it was a song that I have listened to many times but all of a sudden I remembered how I was listening to it while biking down to UCSB, the sun trying to get through the fog or in the afternoon when it was really warm... and I felt like I was there again with this song.
Do you have music that you only or especially liten to when being in a certain situation. Like for example music you prefer when you're angry or sad, happy?
Or you listen to a worship song that you've listened to many times before and in that very moment it starts talking to you as if it were written only for you in this moment and it makes more sense and you found new ways of worshipping God, drawing nearer to him, getting one step closer to Him and the plan he has for your life.
And this is how the soundrack of your life ist formed... the music of life while becoming what God wants you to be.
With these words. Love. Ramona
Do you know this feeling when you are listening to random music and all of a sudden a song comes up and with it memories, situations, pictures, people, smells?
Today was such a situation and it was a song that I have listened to many times but all of a sudden I remembered how I was listening to it while biking down to UCSB, the sun trying to get through the fog or in the afternoon when it was really warm... and I felt like I was there again with this song.
Do you have music that you only or especially liten to when being in a certain situation. Like for example music you prefer when you're angry or sad, happy?
Or you listen to a worship song that you've listened to many times before and in that very moment it starts talking to you as if it were written only for you in this moment and it makes more sense and you found new ways of worshipping God, drawing nearer to him, getting one step closer to Him and the plan he has for your life.
And this is how the soundrack of your life ist formed... the music of life while becoming what God wants you to be.
With these words. Love. Ramona
Monday, April 7, 2008
Letting go
Today I'll share a little poem or well it's not really a poem, more an aphorism... it's in German though... sorry for you English readers...
Anyway it is about letting go of things to be completly free:
Man möchte einen schönen Tag,
eine glückliche Stunde festhalten,
aber man verliert, man muss abgeben,
jeden Abend den Tag loslassen:
Nur wer lernt loszulassen statt festzuhalten,
der kann frei leben;
glücklich und entspannt, ohne Angst.
Alles Liebe. Ramona
Anyway it is about letting go of things to be completly free:
Man möchte einen schönen Tag,
eine glückliche Stunde festhalten,
aber man verliert, man muss abgeben,
jeden Abend den Tag loslassen:
Nur wer lernt loszulassen statt festzuhalten,
der kann frei leben;
glücklich und entspannt, ohne Angst.
Alles Liebe. Ramona
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Still your love goes on
Today I am going to share another song with you which touched me again so much these days. It is by Phil Wickham and I decided to post it because the words are really amazing deep and so true. Hope it encourages you.
I always complicate these thing
Been living everything for me
But who can match your grace
Your mercy can fill the darkest place
Still your love goes on
Still you break me down
Still your love runs free
Still you wash over me
Over me
I know sometimes I lose my way
And then my heart gets so afraid
But I realize I must walk by faith and not by sight
Still your love goes…
You wash over me
All is new
Still your love goes on…
I always complicate these thing
Been living everything for me
But who can match your grace
Your mercy can fill the darkest place
Still your love goes on
Still you break me down
Still your love runs free
Still you wash over me
Over me
I know sometimes I lose my way
And then my heart gets so afraid
But I realize I must walk by faith and not by sight
Still your love goes…
You wash over me
All is new
Still your love goes on…
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Savoring my California Adventures
One year ago I took a plane and flew over to California where my adventure began. I didn't know what to expect, who to meet or how everything would work out. All I knew was that I was on my own adventure and that God had great plans for me.
So here I am now, one year later, still enjoying the memories of every single moment I spent in Santa Barbara. I miss so many things. I miss the ocean, I miss walking down State Street, I miss the house I lived in and my room and of course the amazing people who let me live at their house! I miss walking on campus, thousands of students around me. I miss every single person I met especially those friends I built deeper friendships with. I miss Wednesday morning breakfasts and trying out new restaurants...
There are no words to describe how amazing my adventure in Santa Barbara was. I learned so much about myself. I grew so much. God used that time to show me quite a few things and brought people into my life to sharpen my character.
My time there has left a huge impact on my life and I know that God wanted it this way. But I am not the same person I was there, I have grown so much over the last year and only looking back now actually makes me see that. I have walked closer towards God's plan for my life and I am not going to live in the past thinking how great everything was, but looking ahead, drawing out of the experiences I have made and keep growing!
Nonetheless you might hear more about my adventures in the coming weeks, just remembering... hope you enjoy it.
Love. Ramona
So here I am now, one year later, still enjoying the memories of every single moment I spent in Santa Barbara. I miss so many things. I miss the ocean, I miss walking down State Street, I miss the house I lived in and my room and of course the amazing people who let me live at their house! I miss walking on campus, thousands of students around me. I miss every single person I met especially those friends I built deeper friendships with. I miss Wednesday morning breakfasts and trying out new restaurants...
There are no words to describe how amazing my adventure in Santa Barbara was. I learned so much about myself. I grew so much. God used that time to show me quite a few things and brought people into my life to sharpen my character.
My time there has left a huge impact on my life and I know that God wanted it this way. But I am not the same person I was there, I have grown so much over the last year and only looking back now actually makes me see that. I have walked closer towards God's plan for my life and I am not going to live in the past thinking how great everything was, but looking ahead, drawing out of the experiences I have made and keep growing!
Nonetheless you might hear more about my adventures in the coming weeks, just remembering... hope you enjoy it.
Love. Ramona
Friday, March 14, 2008
Now
I know last time I was really complaining about not knowing what I want. But you know what?
Waiting is exciting. Waiting for the Lord is exciting. Although sometimes you can get despaired, but in the end it is exciting because the Lord always has something great.
Although right now I don’t know where I’ll end up after university I will just live each day to the fullest. I will just enjoy every minute, live His plan now. Life is so fragile and I don’t want to waste my life worrying about what will happen in a few years but fulfilling God’s daily plan right now, trusting that at the right time I will know and I will make the right choices. But I am going to turn my someday into a now.
Live now, love now, hope now!
Love. Ramona
Waiting is exciting. Waiting for the Lord is exciting. Although sometimes you can get despaired, but in the end it is exciting because the Lord always has something great.
Although right now I don’t know where I’ll end up after university I will just live each day to the fullest. I will just enjoy every minute, live His plan now. Life is so fragile and I don’t want to waste my life worrying about what will happen in a few years but fulfilling God’s daily plan right now, trusting that at the right time I will know and I will make the right choices. But I am going to turn my someday into a now.
Live now, love now, hope now!
Love. Ramona
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Question of the Day
The question of the day seems to be what I am going to do after university. I wish I had an answer. You know, there are some things that I think God has put on my heart but I am not sure when and how this is going to happen. I know I always talk about stepping into God's plan, fulfilling His vision, His plan for my life and that is exactly what I want to do but to a certain point I still don't know what exactly this will be. I mean I have ideas and directions where it could go and when looking back to 3 years ago I can see the development through which I went. I can see how much I've changed, in what areas I have grown spiritually and also practically in daily life. I have become a stronger person through the last three years and I am closer to God's final plan now than I was then but still I don't have an answer to what I am going to do in a year.
Although the world is open to me it doesn't feel like there are so many possibilities...
Although the world is open to me it doesn't feel like there are so many possibilities...
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Nothing can hold me back
Yesterday we had our church praise and worship night and it was freaking awesome!
But I got to tell you something about it. I made a decision yesterday: Nothing is going to hold me back from fulfilling God's plan for my life. No opinions, no people, no man, no nothing shall hold me back. I am soooo absolutely ready to do whatever God wants me and to go whereever He wants me to go, I could explode!
So, people get ready for what God is planning! I am ready and there will be so much power, passion, love and energy... it's going to be awesome and the best part of it is. God's light will shine and people will get saved!
Are you ready?
xoxo Ramona
But I got to tell you something about it. I made a decision yesterday: Nothing is going to hold me back from fulfilling God's plan for my life. No opinions, no people, no man, no nothing shall hold me back. I am soooo absolutely ready to do whatever God wants me and to go whereever He wants me to go, I could explode!
So, people get ready for what God is planning! I am ready and there will be so much power, passion, love and energy... it's going to be awesome and the best part of it is. God's light will shine and people will get saved!
Are you ready?
xoxo Ramona
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Life like a parachute
"A parachute works best when it's opened, which means it can not live out its full potential when it's closed."
I heard that this morning in a sermon and thought to myself this is awesome. Very often we live life like a closed parachute. We're not living it out to our full potential. I do believe that in God's plan there is never a small plan for our lives, there is never just something small, something not important meant for us. Whenever we walk with God, he's doing something big whereever we go, his intentions for our life are way bigger than we could even think.
So I want to challenge your thinking here. Let's not narrow our thinking down. Let's not just live a small, unimportant narrow life. But with that let's not be too open minded that we lose our brain, let's rather be open spirited and single minded on God's cause! And then we will live extraordinary lives, we will live lives, used by God where we want to make a difference and actually make a difference.
But what does that mean for us? We need to stay close to God. Let's not be covered up with daily life forgetting our call or forgetting what we're meant to do.
I want to live out my life to a full potential. I want to live the life God intended for me. I am ready to stand up and do something! Are you?
In Him. Ramona
I heard that this morning in a sermon and thought to myself this is awesome. Very often we live life like a closed parachute. We're not living it out to our full potential. I do believe that in God's plan there is never a small plan for our lives, there is never just something small, something not important meant for us. Whenever we walk with God, he's doing something big whereever we go, his intentions for our life are way bigger than we could even think.
So I want to challenge your thinking here. Let's not narrow our thinking down. Let's not just live a small, unimportant narrow life. But with that let's not be too open minded that we lose our brain, let's rather be open spirited and single minded on God's cause! And then we will live extraordinary lives, we will live lives, used by God where we want to make a difference and actually make a difference.
But what does that mean for us? We need to stay close to God. Let's not be covered up with daily life forgetting our call or forgetting what we're meant to do.
I want to live out my life to a full potential. I want to live the life God intended for me. I am ready to stand up and do something! Are you?
In Him. Ramona
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Choices
Today is one of those days where you wish you'd stayed in bed instead of living through the day. It's one of those days where it's hard to get a smile on your face and you feel very mellow (girls, you know what I'm talking about, right ). It's one of those days where you wish for something extraordinary to happen in order to change your feelings...
But then I thought about it and thought to myself. Wait a minute, life isn't about what you feel, it's not about your emotions. It's about the choices you make every day. So if I choose to smile, if I choose to change the mood of the day it might even change. And besides, doesn't the Bible say that all things are possible for those who believe? And doesn't the bible also say that nothing is impossible for the Lord and that I can throw all my sorrows and worries on Him? So why go and pick them up again at the cross, when I've laid them down and ought to be set free!
And then I remember what I tell the girl I mentor almost every week: We are mighty warriors who go out on the battlefield and fight for victory! I remember that we have the body armour of God's righteousness, the shoes to tell the Gospel, the belt of truth, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith and the sword of the word.
Wow... I get excited now! Let's go and fight, mighty warriors, let's go let's go and fight the enemy, let's go and bring victory home. Let's go and live lives that are called, equipped, empowered and set free!
I'll go, will you?
Yours. Ramona
But then I thought about it and thought to myself. Wait a minute, life isn't about what you feel, it's not about your emotions. It's about the choices you make every day. So if I choose to smile, if I choose to change the mood of the day it might even change. And besides, doesn't the Bible say that all things are possible for those who believe? And doesn't the bible also say that nothing is impossible for the Lord and that I can throw all my sorrows and worries on Him? So why go and pick them up again at the cross, when I've laid them down and ought to be set free!
And then I remember what I tell the girl I mentor almost every week: We are mighty warriors who go out on the battlefield and fight for victory! I remember that we have the body armour of God's righteousness, the shoes to tell the Gospel, the belt of truth, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith and the sword of the word.
Wow... I get excited now! Let's go and fight, mighty warriors, let's go let's go and fight the enemy, let's go and bring victory home. Let's go and live lives that are called, equipped, empowered and set free!
I'll go, will you?
Yours. Ramona
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Point of Difference
We had this amazing Sunday morning service two days ago and I was anew encouraged to preach the gospel. I mean yeah I know we always should but just recently I have felt this very strong urge to more and more be used by God. There's this song Point of Differnce and I just love the lyrics because it says that in the midst of a world broken down God is all we have now.
We should be this point of difference! I think we tend to forget who is within us, whose Spirit, whose Love and Power ist within us. So let's not put ourselves in the foreground, but let God flow through us. Let us be the vessels in God's hands that he can let overflow with His love for the people, let us be the tools in His hands with which he can work so people will be saved and let us be like clay in His hands, ever formable, transformable and conformable to Him so that out of this rough stone He can make precious stones living in His Glory!
People should be naturally drawn to us wherever we go, because the Glory of God is upon us!
I pray that we will step up as a generation daring to make a difference, daring to give everything for the Lord, living a life that's radically changed and surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour!
Let's be the point of difference!
In Him be blessed. Yours. Ramona
We should be this point of difference! I think we tend to forget who is within us, whose Spirit, whose Love and Power ist within us. So let's not put ourselves in the foreground, but let God flow through us. Let us be the vessels in God's hands that he can let overflow with His love for the people, let us be the tools in His hands with which he can work so people will be saved and let us be like clay in His hands, ever formable, transformable and conformable to Him so that out of this rough stone He can make precious stones living in His Glory!
People should be naturally drawn to us wherever we go, because the Glory of God is upon us!
I pray that we will step up as a generation daring to make a difference, daring to give everything for the Lord, living a life that's radically changed and surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour!
Let's be the point of difference!
In Him be blessed. Yours. Ramona
Thursday, January 3, 2008
My God is the God who provides
Hi... I mean hello,
I am so sorry that it took me forever to update this page. A lot has been going on in the last 2 months with the banquet for my pastors, Hillsong Conference in London (which was amazing, envisioning, encouraging and equipping) and visits at my grandmothers! Life is great and I belong to a great God who is ever faithful, ever loving and ever true! What would I do without him. I have such a love for the Lord in my heart I cannot describe it!
Here are the words of a worship song which I fell in love with recently:
Desert Song
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
This is my prayer in the fire
In weekness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved to more worh than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and he is here
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir of Christ
So firm on his promise I stand
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
And I have have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow
I hope that your walk with the Lord is going good that you pursue to go deeper with Him and love Him more every day!
Love
Ramona
I am so sorry that it took me forever to update this page. A lot has been going on in the last 2 months with the banquet for my pastors, Hillsong Conference in London (which was amazing, envisioning, encouraging and equipping) and visits at my grandmothers! Life is great and I belong to a great God who is ever faithful, ever loving and ever true! What would I do without him. I have such a love for the Lord in my heart I cannot describe it!
Here are the words of a worship song which I fell in love with recently:
Desert Song
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger and need
My God is the God who provides
This is my prayer in the fire
In weekness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved to more worh than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and he is here
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir of Christ
So firm on his promise I stand
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
And I have have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow
I hope that your walk with the Lord is going good that you pursue to go deeper with Him and love Him more every day!
Love
Ramona
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
It's a New
Happy New Year everybody! Wow... I love starting something new, I love changes! This Hillsong song comes to my mind "It's a new day, it's a new day, the past has gone and life has just begun." I love that.
Well, the one thing I want to share with you on the New Year Day is a verse that I have read many times but just recently it so extremely spoke to me. It is in Mathew 6:33 "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."
I want to seek the kingdom of God above all else and follow Him whereever he leads me, I trust Him, I follow, I trust, I follow and I know He has great plan for my life.
May you continue walking with Him all the days of your life.
Love, Ramona
Well, the one thing I want to share with you on the New Year Day is a verse that I have read many times but just recently it so extremely spoke to me. It is in Mathew 6:33 "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."
I want to seek the kingdom of God above all else and follow Him whereever he leads me, I trust Him, I follow, I trust, I follow and I know He has great plan for my life.
May you continue walking with Him all the days of your life.
Love, Ramona
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