Bible vs mobile phone

• July
• 3

Regular Footprints readers may have noticed that I very rarely include funny stories or poems that have been circulating via email, in the pages of Footprints. I guess that’s because my passion is to see Footprints filled with home-grown Aussie stories.

But every now and then I receive an email that is really worth sharing, like this one. Hope you enjoy!

Cell phone vs. Bible

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat  our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several time a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?

What if we gave it to our kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

Or if there is something to make you go….hmm…where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell  phone, we don’t have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill! 

Makes you stop and think!

Apologies All Around!

• June
• 19

  “Love means never having to say you’re sorry,” is a famous quote from the film “Love Story”. Well! All I can say to that is RUBBISH. Complete and utter hogwash!

Yesterday was one of those days where it felt like all I did was eat humble pie and apologise.

The first time was at work, where a staff member failed to turn up at an appointment I’d booked. Turns out they’d quit - but hadn’t bothered to tell anybody, or make sure that somebody else covers their appointments. Technically, it wasn’t my fault, but it cast my organisation in a bad light, so I had to contact the people who were inconvenienced, and apologise on behalf of the organisation.

The next mistake was one I made, but it was genuinely that, a mistake. I had misunderstood a word on a form, so once again found myself apologising for the resulting mix-up.

Last but not least, was something I did when I got carried away by enthusiasm online. The people involved probably thought I was spamming, not realising my heart and motivations. So I sent an email to apologise and explain that what is really important to me is making connections and keeping the unity in the family of God, and that I didn’t mean to cause offence.

So why apologise? To maintain good relationships. That’s why I felt the need to apologise on behalf of my organisation, and for my own mistake and faux pas.

I don’t need to be always right. To me, having quality relationships is much more important. As Ephesians 4:2-3 says …Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Real love, Christian love, means having to say you’re sorry … even sometimes when it’s not your fault.

Your chance to WIN!

• June
• 6

The new issue of Footprints (Winter 2009, #46) has been mailed out and if you are a subscriber, it should have arrived in your letterbox by now.

Seeing as this is the 46th issue of Footprints, it won’t be long until we reach a real milestone: 50 issues of Footprints! Obviously we want to celebrate such a special occasion – but how? Do you have any great ideas as to how Footprints should mark its 50th celebration issue? With a world tour? Giveaways? Competitions? Parties? Brass band and clowns?!

Send your comments and suggestions to editor@footprintsaustralia.com, and you’ll go in the draw to win the latest novel from Australian writer Paula Vince, The Risky Way Home. Our thanks to Apple Leaf, publishers of uplifting fiction for this great prize - if you enjoy reading wholesome fiction, romance with a bit of suspense and mystery thrown in, then find out more at www.appleleafbooks.com.

Find us on Facebook!

• June
• 1

Just wanted to let you know that over the weekend I created a page just for Footprints on Facebook! So if you’re on Facebook, search for “Footprints magazine” and then sign up as a fan.

Having a Footprints page on Facebook gives me a legitimate reason to go on there LOL - though other than that I am supposed to be staying away - I made a deal with my hubby! (And yes he does know about the Footprints page I created!). We have come to the conclusion that too much Facebooking is not good for a marriage - do you agree? Disagree? Thoughts or comments? Would love to hear!

Easter Thoughts

• April
• 12

Went to church this morning, despite still feeling quite awful after a bout of laryngitis. After all, it IS Easter Sunday! But as I sat in the service, feeling miserable, it brought home the true Easter message in a new way. How little my discomfort is, when compared to Jesus who endured so much pain and suffering on the cross for me.

Thank you Jesus that you loved me so much you went to the cross to die for my sin. Thank you that you rose again! Thank you that not only have you given me the hope of eternity and heaven, but true meaning to life here on earth. That’s the true message of Easter - the death and resurrection of our Saviour, not the anemic “message of hope” as I heard it repeatedly quoted on the TV news tonight.

And despite feeling ill, I was so glad I went to church. Our pastor shared an awesome message - the life story of death! One of these days I would love to turn it into an article …