Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Truth

What is truth?
Or should I say, what is the truth?
How do we gain it? And if we have it or when we gain it, are we really acting as though what we know is the truth?

Well, these are big questions. And ones i'm sure many have asked themselves in the past. And what we asked and contemplated last night in Bible study.

While the answer to the question of whether my life reflects that I know the truth is something that may take longer to develop - although should start immediately - as for what is true, we can look to the words of 1 John:

"We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."
[5:20]

In Him,
Chelsea

posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 7:52 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Quote

"Everything happens for a reason is no reason not to ask myself if I am living it right; Am I living it right?"
[John Mayer]

posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 5:56 PM 0 comments

Monday, August 29, 2005

24

This sunday was a slightly hectic, but very good day! Let me fill you in on the last 24 hours...

After a good morning at youth group praising God and learning what it means to be a citizen of Heaven, not of this world, I headed off to Neutral Bay. After a crazy car trip involving three girls singing along to Queen and other such classics, we made it to the desired destination: Dani's new abode. From there, with the rest of the group, we walked down to milson's point in the beautiful weather and enjoyed a picnic lunch under the bridge, admiring the view, catching up on days gone by and remembering the old times.
Yes, we are Dani's Bible Study, from the Senior High days.

And it was good to gather again!

Rebbi & Lauren

Sadly, the reunion was left early, and another crazy car trip was taken back to St Ives, where we joined the group in 'Preaching Partnership' - a group of about 10 or so learning more about preaching God's word faithfully and truthfully. Although it was sad to leave the sun on the grassy hill by the water, it was good to join in this fellowship and once again delve into the Word of God.

That evening, church at 6:45 began at 6:30 - a concept somewhat difficult to grasp but nonetheless, successful - in order to sing more songs! And in my opinion, it was definately worth those extra 15 mins! It sounded amazing - a church full of people singing at the top of their lungs to our Lord! Bring it on i say!


To top of this great weekend, thanks to the wonderful people at Video Ezy, Garden State has now joined my dvd collection!This, my friends, is very good news!


Dani & Jess

posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 9:53 AM 0 comments

Thursday, August 25, 2005

These Last Days

As most thursday afternoons this semester, I came home from work tired, hungry, and just wanting to relax.

However, the Lord had other plans.
And I am thankful that He did.

Most thursday evenings my parents go to Bible study. They have done so for just over a year now. This in itself is reason to be praising God. Tonight, however, was different.
My mum acknowledged that she hadnt yet read the passage for this weeks study nor looked at the questions their leader had given them. I therefore offered to go through them with her. And thus, we sat down together with our Bibles and read through the first chapter of Hebrews and discussed the meanings of various verses, and how they all point to Jesus, superior and ultimate!

This, my friends, was a first.

Besides sitting next to them in a church service some time, I have not before experienced contemplating the Word to this extent with my parents.
And I have to say, while it was a little strange teaching my mother - the one who brought me into this world and has taught me so much - it was nonetheless a great blessing that made redundant my desire for food and rest felt just minutes before.

God is good.

"but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe." Heb 1:2

In Him,
Chelsea

posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 10:17 PM 1 comments

Monday, August 22, 2005

Boredom Makes You Do Crazy Things

"The camera transforms everything it captures into something that is past." (Anton Kaes)



While my need to complete uni work has restricted my time to partake in the creation of art, the past few days led me to once again open the doors to another form of art - the art of procrastination.

In doing so, I came across the 'Truisms' of Jenny Holzer. Yes, an artwork that presents a series of true statements.
While I think they vary in their 'trueness', some are worth reading, so here are just a few of the favourites:

Absolute submission can be a form of freedom

Boredom makes you do crazy things

Confusing yourself is a way to stay honest

Dreaming while awake is a frightening contradiction

Eating too much is criminal

Illness is a state of mind

Salvation can't be bought or sold

Pursuing pleasure for the sake of pleasure will ruin you

The new is nothing but a restatement of the old

Thinking too much can only cause problems

You should travel light


My own truism?
Embrace the present, too soon will it become our memory

In Him
Chelsea

posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 10:42 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

children

Welcome to the world!

This week saw the joy of childbirth celebrated once again as Scott and Hayley Tubman were blessed with a healthy and beautiful little boy!! Congratulations guys!

Welcome to the world Benjamin!


I believe in a thing called love!

While the celebration of a child entering a family is a joy beyond description, tonight as we meditated over the Lord's words in the book of 1 John in Bible Study, we discussed children of a different nature. What it means to be children of God. And the life of love that comes with that. As God's children we experience His great love. Those words seem so small on this page (or screen!) but they are so much greater than we can even comprehend! The love of our Creater and Heavenly Father!
This is a love that we do not deserve and we must responded to! How can we not?!
1 John speaks of the ultimate act of love in Christ laying down His life. Extreme love? Or just real?
My question to you, and myself, is to what extent are we willing to lay down our lives for our brothers?!
I believe in this thing called love. How will my life reflect that?


Meanwhile, with all this discussion of children and babies I thought it an opportune time to provide a photograph of my cousin's new baby, Jack! Love you little guy!

In Him,
Chels


posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 11:36 PM 0 comments

Saturday, August 13, 2005

the wait is over!

This sunny yet slightly chilly saturday morning saw Anne and I head off into the city for a bit of shopping!
As we crossed the bridge we admired the famous view of the harbour, sparkling in the sunlight and we then wandered around Pitt street in and out of shops, enjoying catching up along the way.

The highlight of the day however was the purchase of a long awaited album! Yes, Ryan Adams 'Gold' has now joined my collection!
The sense of completion is amazing!

Quote of the moment: "There aint no way I'll ever stop from lovin you now"


Meanwhile, at this point in time I am still waiting for another form of completion. Last night at 8pm I embarked on a journey into the unknown. That of the 40hr Famine. I have reached the 22nd hour, with the help of a lot of water, two Werther's Originals, and a much appreciated cup of tea!
Bring on the next 20 hours I say!


CG

posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 6:14 PM 0 comments


Theres just not enough beautiful architecture around like this - the city on a saturday mornin!

The wait is over - Gold has arrived!

posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 5:41 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

What goes up must come down

In Film Genres and Styles I have been studying the gangster film. One of the defining characteristics of this genre is the rise and fall of the gangster. I have recently come to discover that this same rise and fall applies to our own lives. Thankfully, I am not talking about the death with which our tragic hero is doomed, but a much smaller rise and fall; one that may not be noticed by all our spectators.
Such a fall can only be for one reason: that the joy offered in this world simply cannot last nor compare to that offered by our Lord.
Last night at a somewhat lower point I therefore found myself needing a reminder of the following words from Jesus:

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?...So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:27-34)

These are such words of comfort and encouragement. Each day needs to be taken as it comes, for we are safely held in the Lord's hands!


In other news, I spent an hour and a half on monday playing with playdough and making 'chocolate cake' out of sand and leaves!
Just a taste of my usual monday morning activities you may ask? Sadly no. Such activities were permitted as I looked after (or perhaps was entertained by) six children under the age of 5 at the creche at CCSI as their mothers faithfully attended an ESL class and Bible study. A burden to retreat back to childhood for an hour or so when uni work was waiting completion? I think not! Ah, the joy of playing in the dirt!

In Him,
Chelsea

posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 8:18 PM 1 comments

Saturday, August 06, 2005

Celebrations!

Living it Live:

This Friday night saw a celebration of live music, impressive talent, and good company! Post a slight smaller yet enjoyable Bible Study I set off to Newtown with some friends to see another – by the name of Craig Tubman – perform at the Sanderingham Hotel Newtown. While we managed to miss most of his set, we were blessed with the chance to hear his last three songs, and I have to say, I was impressed! And he certainly drew a crowd – Tubman fans from near and far! He was then followed by two more gigs, which although very different, were still just as enjoyable. Following this exhibition of creative energy we wandered to a modest café down the road where good conversation continued and cake was consumed. All in all, a good night and a great chance to catch up with some good friends! Lets just say more nights like this need to be had and more live music experienced!


The Breakfast Club:

This Saturday AM saw my body fall from the haven that was my bed at a much earlier time than is usually required in my relaxed weekends. All was worthwhile however as I was joined by two old friends and we ventured to the beaches for breakfast.
The occasion? Reuniting with a good friend I have not seen in almost a year and celebrating her birthday!
The location? Dee Why Beach. Although the wind was quite fresh, the sun was strong and reflecting off the water and waves beautifully.
The Breakfast? A substantial piece of banana bread and a berry smoothie - both very pleasing to the taste buds!

If only all weekends could begin in this way! Praise God for good food, good weather and good company!

Below are a few pics of the event!

In Him,

Chels

posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 1:37 PM 0 comments


Above: Georgie and myself
Below: Kylie and Georgie enjoying the sun!



posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 1:30 PM 2 comments

Thursday, August 04, 2005

Breathless


Have you ever felt like you are just holding your breath?

This is how I have felt the past few weeks.
But what for?

I wonder when I will be able to let that breath out freely again...



Meanwhile, quote of the day:
"All we need is candle light, you and me and a bottle of wine."

posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 6:06 PM 2 comments

Monday, August 01, 2005

A call to war

This is not a call to comfort,
It's a call to war,
Come and join the battle
Fight like you've never fought before
Nathan Tasker

Last night driving home from a post church dvd viewing I was both encouraged and challenged by the words of wisdom provided by the person sitting in the drivers seat beside me. Amongst discussion of what the future held for us both, we spoke of what it meant to live a life following Jesus. So much of this world and the life it offers is about winning, coming first, beating others, striving to be the best. When Jesus walked on this earth he felt no such desire. That is what it is to be different. And that is the battle worth fighting.
As part of living this battle, we need to look beyond what we want, to what God's plans and purpose may be. This is what I hope to do as I think about what my future may hold.

In Him
CG

posted by Chelsea Taylor @ 10:44 PM 2 comments