Jenny, Paul and Joel's Birthday

Joel requested a Pavlova cake for his birthday. It is a meringue with fruit topping (BARF!) Dude, next year pick something in the CHOCOLATE family!

Jenny and Paul both asked for a carrot cake. Too bad the Aussies can't make a decent cream cheese frosting. Seriously folks....it's not THAT hard!

The birthday bunch: Paul, Jenny and Joel

Everyone gathered to celebrate their special day after Bible study.

Joshua 6:1 - 7:13

Joshua 6:1 - 7:13
Listen Online

It is astounding how many truths there are in this section. What I'd like to focus on this week is the numerous days God has the Children of Israel march around the city of Jericho. Why wait? Why six days? God always has a purpose, and I see two obvious reasons in this case:

1. To give the Children of Israel a closer look at the mighty and impenetrable wall surrounding Jericho.

From a distance the city possibly appeared small, but up close they would have realized just what a fortress it was. Staring up at the massive barrier, the Israelites would quickly come to the conclusion that they were unable to conquer these people in their own strength.

2. To give the inhabitants of Jericho six additional days to repent and turn from their ways.

God had already given them over 440 years and only Rahab appeared to have a repentant heart and the realization that the God of Israel was the true and living God.

I am reminded of Noah in Genesis chapter 7. God had Noah enter the ark, but He waited six more days before the rain and flood waters appeared. Why the wait you ask? I believe God extended the people six more opportunities for salvation. If they had just knocked on the door and BELIEVED God, they too would have been saved.

God is just and will punish sin, but he is also long-suffering (2 Peter 3:9) and quick to forgive a repentant heart. It is easy for us to assume that if God is not punishing sin, He is somehow approving of it. Let's not make that mistake. May we take advantage of God's mercy (1 John 1:9).

WASGIJ 11

The box

The jigsaw puzzle

Kay Lee's Blackmail Photo

I got permission from Kay Lee to put this photo on the blog. Isn't she cute? She zonked out in the car on the way to Bible study. I guess that is better than falling asleep DURING the study! HA

Kookaburra

I discovered this BEAUTIFUL kookaburra sitting on my mailbox today. You can click on the picture to see him up close.

Joshua 4:1 - 5:15

Joshua 4:1 - 5:15
Listen Online

It is interesting how God so often tells His people to setup memorials after He does a big work in their lives. This section explains a couple of the reasons for them.

1. To remind us of God's faithfulness and power
2. To give us an opportunity to share these things with others, especially with our children

There is a difference between remembering the past and living in in it. We need to reminisce about how God has worked in our lives to encourage and strengthen us as we go through new battles and face new giants. It should not be used to recall the "good ole days" and long for them again.

When you recognize God's hand in your life, make a memorial. It can be a journal, a collection of trinkets, refrigerator magnets, a photo album, etc. The point is to commemorate those moments so you can be reminded of God's faithfulness to you. It also gives you the occasion to share God's amazing presence in your life while encouraging others.

WASGIJ 10

Joshua and Kay Lee came by this evening. We ordered Thai for dinner (scrumptious) and put together our latest WASGIJ puzzle.


Here's the box.


Here's the puzzle. Cute, huh? You can click on the photos to see them up close.

Joshua 2:1 - 3:17

Joshua 2:1 - 3:17
Listen Online

Rahab is a fascinating character. She is mentioned in the books of Hebrews and James as a being great woman of faith.

So what do we know about her?
- She was a prostitute
- She lies multiple times

God saw someone other than a prostitute and liar; He saw one who BELIEVED in the true and living God. In this chapter we are made aware that Rahab FEARED the God of the Israelites, she RECOGNIZED His authority, she called Him by name JEHOVAH, she asked for MERCY by requesting that her life and the lives of her family be spared when the Children of Israel conquered Jericho. In FAITH she hung a scarlet cord in the window. God redeemed her just as He will do for anyone who believes Him, fears Him, recognizes Him for who He is, and asks Him for mercy. Her son Boaz becomes the great-great grandfather of King David, who is in the lineage of Jesus Christ! She will be forever honored with the title "Woman of Great Faith." When Rahab became a child of God, He no longer saw her for her sins of prostitution and lying, He saw for the woman of God she would become. Now that is GRACE! This is a picture of salvation for all of us. When we recognize we are lost in our sin and deserving of death, God is quick to come and forgive us when we call on His name. (Rom 10:13) (Joel 2:32)

Candy Molds

We had already put up the Christmas tree and wrapped gifts tonight, but I wasn't about to let the fun stop there. I taught Fajta how to work with candy molds. HOW FUN!


The trick is to tap the molds to get all the air bubbles out. It's easy peasy.


Silly Goose loves WHITE chocolate (which isn't really chocolate at all) but melted the DARK chocolate for me! : )

Tada! Not bad for her first attempt.

Rachelle

Jonathon and I got to hook up with Rachelle for lunch today. What a wonderful spontaneous date! I LOVE hanging out with her.

Rachelle and Tina



Jono was taking a snap of a glass of "Christmas Tea." Holy smoke! It is delicious. They even top it off with BERRIES. Mmmmm

Jacaranda

Oh how I LOVE these trees! The Jacaranda is native to South and Central Mexico as well as the Caribbean but are found throughout Sydney. The purple blossoms explode in November. The entire tree turns this lovely shade of lavender and then blankets the ground as the flowers fall. It is just gorgeous in here this time of year. Ya'll should come and visit, ya' hear?

Girl's Day Out

Today was Girl's Day Out. We went to a movie and, of course, enjoyed a cuppa. I used to tease Norm for "going to the dark side" as she is SO Australian as opposed to American any more, yet I fear I too am ever so slowly morphing into an Aussie.

Kay Lee and Mexicali

Norm and Amp

Watermelon

After returning from the Backyard Bard, we carved a $9 watermelon. Oh, I miss America!!!

Backyard Bard

The Backyard Bard is a Christian theater company specializing in biblical storytelling. Tonight they performed Elisha.


You can find out more information at www.thebackyardbard.com.au or double click on this picture.

These four individuals performed BRILLIANTLY with nothing more than a few chairs, a few coats, and two risers. They skillfully recited verse by verse the account of Elisha. They are talented beyond belief. What a treat to see them perform. God must be so pleased with this ministry. We will find out when they come to Sydney again and invite ALL of our friends to join us.


JR and Tina

Dinner with Fritz and Nora

It's Thai food AGAIN for dinner!

Fritz and Jonathon

Tina and Mexicali (Nora)

Joshua 1:1 - 1:18

I am very sorry I have not kept up on the study notes. I will start again now that we are in the book of Joshua. Thanks for reading. - John

Joshua 1:1 - 1:18
Listen Online
It is always exciting to start a new book, especially Joshua. It is the first book in the Bible named after a man. This is significant. Joshua in Hebrew is Yhowshuwa which means "Jehovah is Salvation." The New Testament is written in Greek not Hebrew. So, what is the equivalent name for Joshua in the New Testament? Jesus!

The book is a picture of living the Christian life abundantly in the Holy Spirit (John 10:10). We see Joshua facing giants and having battles just like we have in our lives today. God was with Joshua and He is with us today. Notice how many times in this chapter He reassures Joshua that He will be with him and to "be strong." Joshua must have been fearful. Taking over for Moses would have been an ominous task. Living the Christian life is a scary proposition too. If we try to do it in our strength, we will fail (II Cor 5:6-8).

As we go though the book of Joshua, we will see practical examples of living by faith and not by sight, how God fights for us, and how He brings us victory.

Guylian Chocolate Store

On our way back to the car after the bridge climb, we stumbled on a brand new Guylian Chocolate Store near the Opera House. Oh good gravy. It was tantalizing and decadent! Can this birthday get ANY better?

We indulged in a chocoholic's dream. You pour the smooth velvety hot chocolate over a brick of dark chocolate which is at the bottom of your cup. This is manna from heaven!

Vanilla bean ice cream with chocolate sauce and fresh whipped cream

Macadamia brownie

Harbor Bridge Climb

Another surprise for my birthday...a Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb!


Tina and Jonathon 429 1/2 feet above the water overlooking the Opera House.


Overlooking the city. On the way down, we encountered a FIREWORKS show. It was a good thing that I was anchored to the bridge because I think I would have jumped OFF!


Today was the first time I had to check the 40 - 49 age range when completing the evaluation form after the hike.

I checked it with a HUGE smile on my face! I love being 40!

Tommy Thai Smile

Fajita came down early for Bible study tonight and the three of us went out for Thai food. Oh Mylanta it tasted good!

Some of the names of Thai restaurants in Sydney are hillarious: Thai Foon, Thai Riffic, Thai Tanic, Bow Thai and Thai the Knot!