Claudia's Pilgrimage

Updates..

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:22:31 GMT

I've been missing for a long while. I've been lazy to blog. This new habit is finding some struggle to leech on. Maybe because it's much easier to talk to real friends and people whom you can see and relate to. Of course, my virtual friends have thus far been really great. Still, it is different from blood and flesh.

I've been busy though. Decided to take on a correspondance business and management study program to improve myself. So far, it's been....intensive. It takes a while to get back into the momentum of studying. But I've had good friends to help me.

I'm still praying...still leaning..still living.

Queen's Birthday...

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:54 GMT

Very few people get to declare a public holiday for their birthdays.
Nations do.
Queens and Kings do. (Last monday was a "queen's birthday" holiday)
So does Jesus. (Christmas is just round the corner....it's a huge corner though....)

Winter should be over in a while. I hope I'll be able to head down to the beach for some good old sunny day fun!

Words of the Wise..

Mon, 21 May 2007 03:35:16 GMT

Two things I ask of You, O Lord;
do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
~ Proverbs 30:7-8 ~

The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of judgement.
~ Proverbs 10:21 ~

The blessing of the Lord brings wealth,
and he adds no trouble to it.
~ Proverbs 10:22 ~

A man's own folly ruins his life,
yet his heart rages against the Lord.
~ Proverbs 19:3 ~

A man who strays from the path of understanding
Comes to rest in the company of the dead.
~ Proverbs 21:16 ~

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man,
Do not associate with one easily angered,
or you may learn his ways
and get yourself ensnared.
~ Proverbs 22:24 ~

Do not envy wicked men,
Do not desire their company;
for their hearts plot violence,
and their lips talk about making trouble.
~ Proverbs 24:1-2 ~

A malicious man disguises himself with his lips,
but in his heart he harbors deceit.
Though his speech is charming, do not believe him,
for seven abominations fill his heart.
His malice may be concealed by deception,
but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
~ Proverbs 26:24-26 ~

Prayers that matter...

Tue, 15 May 2007 06:13:26 GMT

Is this cool or what?

All ye aucklanders, do come!

The Prayer event of the year!

Are You Green?

Wed, 09 May 2007 05:48:50 GMT

And I don't mean with envy. =)

I've been reading the papers! (surprise surprise!)

There seems to be news around the world on the environment. Then I remembered a friend from Aussie sent me this:

Oh I love this frog friend! Ain't he cute?

A long month indeed...

Wed, 02 May 2007 06:57:29 GMT

NZ has 11 public holidays...
....and not one of them falls in May...

A complete count down to winter....

Musings...

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 05:54:05 GMT

I was feeling a little apologetic that my previous post was less than rejoicing, and was contemplating if I should remove it.

But....i guess it'll stay, 'cause that's the real me. I'm not gonna pretend that I'm all alright and perfect. I have moments of melancholy and I have my regrets. I'm just going to be the real me.

ANZAC day was great. We didn't go out and do a lot. But it was good time together. But life's pretty much back to normal now, with work and everything else.

I miss singing...I think I'm going to put on a CD and worship...

*Ciaos!*

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 08:13:13 GMT

I don't know what got over me today. I broke down and cried as I was in my room after church. All the years that have escaped my mind came flood back to me. I felt such a sense of loss, and a thousand "what ifs" swept through my soul. The time that was lost, all that could have been but never was. The time when I left home thinking I was going to "get a life". The garbage I got myself into and how my parents had to bail me out. It hurts. It hurts so much to see these moments so clearly now.

I was in a good land then. I just couldn't see. Today, I remain in the same home and family and I am feasting on the good of the land. But for so many years, I was there, but I was hungry. I saw no good thing in this place. Those years that came and gone, years that I could have hold on with gratitude, but passed me by. Today, I saw in the scriptures: "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land." And it is true. I am in the same place I was at, with the same people I have been with. But then, I was not willing. And I was certainly not obedient. My heart was marred and hardened. I had missed the good of the land that was there for me to eat of.

I have learnt now. Things are often not what they seem. Often our eyes are clouded by our heart. When my heart was bitter and sore, everything I saw was bitter and sore. It was bitterness to my soul and soreness to my being. But now my heart has been cleansed and restored. The same things I see then now become blessings and pure. It is this way for a family, I'm sure it's the same for God's church. If you are willing and obedient to the Lord, and let your heart be pure, you will see his heart and you too will eat the good of the land. Because God has never placed His children in a futile land. He who has made rivers in the desert and granted Abraham the blessing of the land (even though he chose the weaker plot) has also given us the same blessing. There is much good in YOUR land, ever that land is.

More Goodies!

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:15:42 GMT

After mum's successful Pecan Project, we're going to try this today!!

Sweet Nutings

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 15:09:10 GMT

Mum made pecan pie today!! It was rummy yummy....because she added rum! Ain't that cool?

photo for illustration only...we finished the pie before I actually remembered to dish out my camera...but this was a pretty close resemblance!

A historical recount...

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 05:46:40 GMT

Next week, we're commemorating ANZAC DAY.

Having my life established in both Australia and New Zealand, I have heard much about the war time stories recounted to me through various sources. I don't think I'll ever fully understand the impact of the actual event many years ago, simply because I've never been there. But the unique bond between the 2 nations is truely precious. We are neighbours to each other, neighbours that bear a deeper significance, I believe, than any other nations have seen.

A verse came to my mind...

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
-Psm 133-

I guess in some way, this commemoration of death, bravery and sacrifice, is also a celebration of new friendships, love and life.

Thank God It's Friday!

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 02:08:21 GMT

It's finally Friday! I thank God because it's been a really long and busy week, and I praise Him for instituting the command to rest on one day out of the seven days He's given to us. He is not a slave driver nor is He one that expects us to keep on working, moving, serving, performing. He loves us and care for our well-being. He desires that we become effective and productive, and also at the same time, He desires that we are happy, fulfilled individuals who know how to love life and enjoy the creation He's given to us.

So once again, it's time to give ourselves a break, and find rest. It's not an impossible task if you will trust the loving heavenly Father. He who keeps the earth spinning and the rivers flowing will take care of your needs even as you rest on the sabbath. Let Him meet you in Your rest and discover the beauty of His love and you might just understand what it means to "keep the sabbath holy".

Taking a step back...

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:27:07 GMT

Sometimes it's good to just take a step back and take it easy.
What come may, life goes on.
The earth continues to spin.
The sheep continues to graze.
The weather comes and goes as they may.
There are some things that worry will not solve, and actions may prove to be vain.
We can only embrace, trust and obey.
And somehow, have faith enough to know God has it all in His hands.
The old hymn goes:

I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
I don't borrow from its sunshine
for its skies may turn to gray
I don't worry over the future
for I know what Jesus says
Every day I'll walk beside
For He knows what is ahead

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand

I don't know about tomorrow
It may bring me poverty
But the one who feeds the sparrow
Is the one who stands by me
And the path that be my portion
May be through the flame or flood
But His presence goes before me,
And I'm covered with His blood

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand

Every step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb
Every burden getting light
Every cloud is silver lined
There the sun is always shining
There no tear will dim the eye
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky.

About Good Friday...

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 16:47:48 GMT

Today is Good Friday. Why is it good?

I can imagine the chaos, the torment, the confusion, the drama thousands of years ago. That day, Jesus was convicted of blasphemy, and sentenced to death on the cross - the worst and most humiliating death in that time. That day there was the crazy crowd, the adament high priest and leaders, the confused peasants, the heart broken women, the fearful disciples. Then there was the silence when the skies turned black. The terror of the common people when the earth shook. The sick sinking fear in the religious leaders when the veil tore. It must have really scare them real bad. The holy place where they went in for their ritual offerings with such unusual happenings. They must have known then that they must have really offended the God they are serving BIG TIME!

It was no way good for them that friday. The folks didn't know what just happened, and what they had just done. It was somber, scary and shocking.

But today, we know it's good. Good because that somber and shocking death was the penalty for our sins. The curse of disobedience that seperated us from peace and fulfilment in our hearts and life was broken on that cross. The rebellion that we have staged, the hurts that we have caused, the anger that we have unleashed, the violence that we have committed, the injustice that we have held on to, the forgiveness we refuse to offer and the punishment that should have been met out to us for all the wrongs we ever did, all these and the consequences of all of this, was taken on by Jesus on that Friday, as if He was the guilty one for all that we have done.

Why is that Friday good? It's good because now, because of what Jesus did, we can have a 2nd chance at life, and this time, we start on a clean slate, because His death has taken our sins, and His blood has washed us clean. The punishment had been met out on Him and we are no longer counted guilty. No matter where you are or what you have done, you can start over. Because that's what Jesus came to do. And the reason why He did it, was because He loves you and cares for you.

The people that day must have thought, that day, an innocent man was killed. But later they would know, that day that man had to die, for them, for you, for me. It was either Him or you (or me). He chose Him so that we would be free.

All over the world...

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 01:52:56 GMT

people just like us
are calling your name
Living in Your love
All over the world
people just like us
are following Jesus...

I am one person on the face of the earth filled with billions of people.
I am a speck in the vastness of the universe.
I may feel like I'm nothing, powerless to effect anything.
I may feel insignificant, small and tiny.
But Jesus sees me.
Jesus knows me.
Jesus loves me.

And He sees you too.
And He loves you. Not just as another human soul.
But He loves you as an individual.
Call on Him and He will answer you.

Finding Balance...

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 14:10:29 GMT

Hi friends, I've been away from here for a while. It isn't that I've really been busy. I guess, New Zealand isn't really a place you can attribute busy-ness to. I am blessed to be where I am because I feel, I'm not one who can manage speed very well. Things of interest and fresh experiences captivate me with great intensity and I sometimes find myself being swept away by the new-ness of events and hobbies. Finding a balance then becomes an art, a talent, a skill that I must learn.

That's why I haven't been coming here. I've been eager though, but I thought it wiser to put some self-control on my new hobby and protect the precious quality time with my friends and family. I do however thank the Lord for opening my heart and mind to the wonderful awareness of some new found friends here in livejournal. They sound like wonderful people who love the Lord and are also putting their hand on the plow in this greater field of the Kingdom. In their own arena they are ploughing and planting. And I'm blessed to know and "see" the greater works of the Kingdom beyond this place.

Good morning world!

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 02:12:50 GMT

I rose early today. Maybe it's the cold outside, but I awoke to rain this morning...again. It's seems it's going to be raining for the next week as well. Temperature has been hovering around 20degrees C. Oh boy, I do miss the sun! It's getting all wet and gloomy here up north.

Still on the happier note, Easter is coming! (And I sure hope the rain clears by then!) The largest event that happens here in Auckland each Easter is The Royal Easter Show! It's almost a tradition for many families to take a trip there each season. We do too! And in the recent years, it's taken a tad of mission flavor as well - going there to know our neighbours and love them; to be among the folks as Jesus would have been; to walk with them and eat with them. Although a huge part of NZ's population are Anglicans, christians, catholics, etc, but I guess most folks aren't particularly religious or passionate. But that's exactly what Easter is about - the blood has been shed to wash away the past and the sin and break all chains that hold our spirits in bondage; the Christ has rise to defeat death and grant new life to all who will call on His name. I don't exactly know how the Lord works and who he will bring or touch or how he will move or touch. But it is enough that I know He is. Because once again this Easter, I'm reminded that He Lives and He Is!

Work...

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 04:47:49 GMT

Since my last entry was about work, I shall continue along that line.

I work in a restaurant, serving and helping in almost all areas. It's a small place but it's nice. Started there years ago when we first came over and I wanted time away from home. They were hiring and I was a poor student who wanted extra bucks. But now, I've kinda taken a liking to this place and the folks here. I wasn't really too interested in books when I graduated from Senior High, but some how, it's a grace upon my life that I have work on hand, and my parents were really cool about this whole "not going to further study" thing. I guess they figured it's alright and God will take care of me in His ways, so they didn't really force me. (They could have, even though I think I wouldn't have obeyed, which would make things worse.)

I'm really happy with the way things are and how they unfolded. I told my mum about how I felt the other day when she asked me how things were at work. I told her that honestly, I'm really glad they gave me the space I needed in the earlier years, even though I was pretty much an angry and difficult kid. They gave me a chance to live out a life which was truly my own and make decisions on my own - both the good and the bad. Thankfully I didn't kill myself or anything, and now that I know God, I think it was Him who was really protecting me. There were rough patches, bad friends and all, parts of my life which I know I would much prefer if they hadn't happened. (And I guess my folks had to go through those seasons of worrying and really praying hard for me to God during those times.) But still, I am who I am because of all the things of my life that I have gone through. All of it makes me me. And God will take all of it and make it beautiful for Him too.

And so it is...another beautiful day! And I should head down to the cafe soon.

It's been a long night...

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:31:29 GMT

It was an unsually busy night at the cafe. But I'm glad things went really well. More next time...
Boy, I'm truly beat.!~

My User Picture.

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 03:24:06 GMT

My user picture shows a nice castle taken at Disneyland HK last year in July. It was the first trip that I went with my family. It's the castle where Cinderella looked at from her attic, longing and wishing that one day her prince would come and save her from the wicked step mother and step sisters.

As we were admiring the lights and fireworks, the Spirit spoke to my heart of the beautiful castle the awaits the children of God. An eternal dwelling of far greater beauty than any other royal dwelling on earth. And it is there, I can meet my prince, my Jesus, face to face. No longer do we need to read each other's love letters, speak to one another through our prayer line or wonder if we're going to be faithful to each other. But there, we will fully know the love that exists between us, this "long" distance relationship will be fully reconciled. There I will completely be in His embrace. And we will live happily ever after.

And in the meantime.... I shall continue to admire the stars of His handiwork, indulge in the love that exudes from His words, and embrace the gifts He has delivered.

Intro of self...

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 01:42:57 GMT

I am Claudia Angelina Cains. I'm 24 and a daughter to my dad and step mum. My actual mother and dad were divorced some years ago. We used to reside in Australia, now we're in New Zealand.

I didn't like my step mum years back. After all, some part of me felt it was her fault that things turned out the way it was. But ironically, it was her that introduced me to Jesus Christ. And at 18, I asked Jesus into my heart. It was an amazing experience. I didn't go to church or anything. I was in my bedroom in the middle of the night. I couldn't sleep because here I am pass the big 18 and having so much hate in my heart. I was angry, upset and yet i felt helpless. I didn't like who I was and the life I'm living. As I lay there, crying, lost, I said to Jesus, "I don't understand what's going on. I don't like what's going on and what has happened. But if you are real, help me get through this. Tell me what's all these about! I'm so tired trying to rebel. I'm so tired in this place. I feel everyone is just trying to be nice because they made a mistake and are guilty, so they are trying to buy me over." (i of course know now that;s not really the case...)

It was funny cause some where between my crying and my mumbling (now I know that was praying..ha ha), i felt like something was lift off my heart and i felt a sense of peace. That night I cried myself to sleep, but somehow, it was as if I was comforted by somebody. I really slept that night. It was the kind of sleep where you really rested, knowing you were safe...not sleep because you were so exhausted from the day's battle (emotional, physical, etc).

The next day, i found in my heart the strength (and conscience?) to be nice to my parents. Acutally for the first time, I sat the table for breakfast with them and greeted them. That sunday, I went with my parents to church and kind of officially pray the prayer. But I know now that it was that evening that Jesus came and met me.

Yup, that's my story. Of course many things have changed and happened since then. But that is for another time.

Hello friends.

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 03:58:30 GMT

HI...i've decided to start a livejournal =)