Thursday, March 5, 2009

breeeeezy.

ahhh i LOVE the cool breeze blowing off the harbour this morning. It felt so nice waking up to it and snuggling under the doona one last time this morning after pushing snooze... 

there's nothing like the feeling of something refreshing :: a cool breeze after a hot summer, a huge glass of cold water after a run (not that running happens often in my life unless someones chasing me... ha!), diving into a swimming pool after a sunbake... you know what i mean... 

those examples all sound so frivolous in light of the following excerpt, but never the less they are what we relate to in our corner of the world that we live in... we are so blessed to enjoy the things we do... 

Refreshing:::::::::: (as from merriam-webster.com)
Main Entry: re-fresh-ing
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1580

: serving to refresh; especially : agreeably stimulationg because of freshness or newness refreshing change of pace >

it was refreshing to read some good news this morning... in the Autumn 2009 Compassion Magazine there was a Q&A with Dr Laurent Mbanda about his home country and the story of the the Rwandan genocide. When asked 'How has the country changed?', he replies::
"Rwanda has had an amazing recovery and extraordinary progress since the genocide, on many fronts, but especially in the fight against poverty. Rwanda's economic growth rate of over 10 percent a year is an unbelievable success story. It has the highest number of female leaders of any parliament in the world; the country enjoys peace, security throughout and visionary leadership. It is a story of success and model of good governance in the region. Reconciliation is taking hold, the country and people are turning to the Lord. Rwanda is a country committed to "never again genocide in Rwanda". 

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11 comments:

Elisabel said...

Beautiful news.

yp said...

Keep trusting in the Lord.

Lacy Rose said...

Jill I just wanted to let you know that your story and words about Max have touched my heart and have brought me to a new relationship with God.

I was lost for a long time and didnt know where to turn.

Wednesday was my first day at church in a LONG time. Since I was 7 actually. I am now 27. They shared your story at Wave Church and I instantly knew that God had something to do with me being there.

5 years ago I had a baby at 24 weeks and he did not make it. 3 days I spent with him and it was the best time of my life.

I have been so angry with God for taking my first son from me. After hearing and seeing your story i have learned it is possible to move on and be happy in life and in God...I knew I had a place.

I just wanted to say you are an amazing woman that has amazing talent. Thank you for sharing your story. It really does make a difference!

Karen said...

Things like these uplift the spirit and bring upon a whole new appreciation.

Anonymous said...

Jill,

I am a worship leader in Phoenix, Az at Hope Church and my wife and I went through a similar tragedy with our son 7 years ago. I know how difficult this can be, but I also know that we would have never had our daughter Brooke if our son had lived. We were pretty sure that our 3rd would be our last and I cannot imagine life without Brooke. We would be so lost without her laughter and dancing and singing and amazing sense of humor, so the Lord may have wonderful blessings in store for you and Matt and I pray that his love continues to rain down on the two of you as you process all of the emotions you have felt.

God Bless you.

KC

Unknown said...

Compassion does some amazing work, huh. That's great that a country which was once so ravaged can be on the road to recovery... amazing

mije said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rui said...

Hi Jill,
I'm Jenny from Singapore, I'm not sure if you can still remember me. We had a chat at New Creation Church today :) Thanks for taking time to chat with me, your encouragement and advice. I really appreciate it. I wished I could talk to you more, cos you are an encouragement to me. But, I guess I didnt want to disturb you and service was starting soon :) Anyway, once again thanks a lot and God Bless. :) All Glory to Jesus :)

Prinsesse Solstråle said...

Hello.

My name is Anne Sofie, and I am pentecostal, living in Norway. I was writing a blogpost about desert song when I found your blog. I just want to say that the intervju that you gave after you lost your son helped me trough a very difficult part of my life. Thank you for sharing your pain and your hope. God is God in every season, but I didnt understand that before you explaned it to me. Thank you. You are in my prayers.

Unknown said...

Jill, God has used you in the most indescribable ways. i wish you wouldn't stop blogging, you always seem to bring a word of encouragement. may God continue to bless you abundantly

Tamatha said...

Wow! That is great news about Rwanda! I am so glad you shared it!:o)