New Zealand Adventures

OK, I've been on a hardcore spiritual rightness kick. Maybe you'll enjoy a cool story now instead of some serious Biblical lesson, ey? I just got back from the Chinese Lantern Festival with some friends. It was awesome, by the way. This guy named Chris from Germany and I ended up staying outside after we got back to look at the stars which are brilliant here. He's super intelligent and was explaining to me all the different star formations and locations. He pointed up and said, "You'll like that one." It's called the Southern Cross, deemed such because of its four stars in the shape of a cross located in the southern sky. It reminded me of Revelation 1 where Jesus held in His right hand the seven stars representing the seven angels of the seven churches. So I have a visible sign of my God looking down on me, every moment of my day, sending His angels to protect and guide me. AND, I have a great remembrance of the true south- and the saying is true, "American by birth, southern by the grace of God."

Yesterday was a marvelous day. I went to Akaroa with Steph and Rebecca. The road winds along the coast toward the Banks Peninsula. The cliffs and blue water were gorgeous. We walked around the town for a while and then found a cute cafe called "By the Green" and had lunch. We then walked along the pier and looked for Hector dolphins, which are the world's rarest and smallest dolphins apparently found only in that area. They're so small- like a third the size of a regular dolphin. On our way back we decided to take the "scenic tour," which partially got us lost, but all the sheep along the way made it more than worth it. They're so skittish, but I suppose that's a good thing, because if they were friendly they'd get themselves killed quickly. We saw this one that had gotten out of its fence and was trying to get back in. I wish I was more like that- striving to get back to the good Shepherd whenever I've messed up and gone past where I need to be, realizing that He will always accept me back and I don't have to earn my way back, not that I even can.

For me today is the Lord's Day. The church this morning was lively, a little more than I'm used to. The people were awesome- some of the people were from U-Church that I went to on Wednesday night with Gloria. Every Nation Church was its name, I got picked up by a friend to go. You could feel the warmth and inviting Spirit these people had everywhere- it was awesome. The preacher is from Capetown, so in a way I felt at home. He spoke on Exodus 14, in which is found one of my favorite verses. I find it so interesting how much we relate to the Israelites today- how they boldly went out in verse 8, only to be terrified in a moments time when things got rough. Also, how quick we are to blame the devil or remark that some things are uncontrollable, when God determines all things- He holds the world in His hand. Why can't we see that in ALL things God works for good (Rom 8:28..)? Then comes a life verse for me, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still" (v 14). We're not fighting the battle of life for victory, we're fighting from victory. We're not here to save lives, we're here to be still and follow orders. Not to say that lives won't be saved along the road, but I'm realizing that it is of far greater value to listen than to speak. If they are meant to follow Jesus the Spirit will enter their lives and they will be transformed by the working of the Spirit- we merely are occassionally used as a tool to carry out God's perfect will.

Biblical matters often get confusing- like how to fight for Jesus, how to follow the ten commandments, but I'll say this- look to Jesus and His scriptures for the answer, not some How To book. I love reading and I think it's a necessary part of the Christian life, but not a supplementary part. Also, the scriptures aren't meant as God's final word, but as God's written word. We must seek God Himself through prayer for the proper answers to questions and be led to the sciptures or some other avenue.

I'm off- I'm heading to the Chinese Lantern Festival in the town square- I'm pumped. God bless you all, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Soli Deo Gloria.

I prayed Psalm 93 this morning in my precious moments alone with my Risen Savior during the dawning of the new day. As I read allowed the first verse I read, "The Lord is robbed of majesty." Ok, I'm a horrific speller, so I didn't catch my error until just now as I sit here and read it again. But the amazing thing is that it was exactly what I was meant to read this morning. The Psalmist says it twice so as to highlight its significance. Everyday I rob God of His majesty, the glory He is owed and intended to get. I take credit for kindnesses, or allow people to praise me, when I know that all good can only come from God, and we merely are occasionally graced to harbor God's goodness to be given to others. Anyway, I now come back to this brilliant Psalm and read its life-giving words once again. It takes new meaning to me now, as I've gone to my geography class and discussed the water that once covered the earth and the flooding of rivers. It's amazing because this is part of Psalm 93, "Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea- the Lord on high is mighty." Previous to that it talks about the sea lifting up, flooding its great forces, but the last verse says, "Your statutes stand firm." God is eternal, He is the rock that cannot be shaken, He is the alpha and omega. One thing to know that you might find interesting as I did when I discovered it is that we are not meant to find our lives in every part of the scriptures. These unfamiliar parts are meant to teach us what the rest of the Body of Christ is like (amongst other things), so we too can proclaim their prayer, in order to share one another's burdens so as to make the load lighter that we may stand the strain. (Exodus 18, Number 11:10-17, Isaiah 9:4, 58:6, Matt 11:28-30, Gal 6:2, etc)

Someone close to my heart wrote me yesterday and told me these eternal words, "The Lord is not careless with the planing of our lives, especially when it comes to making His name known." How true that dear friend is, and how vital those words are to hold in our hearts. Do we realize that nothing is by chance, do we trust God enough to know that He controls time and space and every happening of our day is full of purpose and meaning?

ok, down from my soap box. The weather is beautiful here. I saw rain for the first time yesterday, but surely our Heavenly Father knew that the flowers needed water and rest from the great amount of sunlight they have received in the last week. I'm going to Akaroa this weekend to hang out with some new friends, so hopefully the weather will get warm again as it's starting to do and we can do a little surfing. :) Peace friends, may your lives be filled with His presence today.

Colossians 1:15 states, "[Jesus] is the firstborn over all creation." God is first Father. I was handed a flier on campus yesterday about a BBQ to be held that afternoon. I decided to go, although slightly nervous because I had no clue what it was about and I was by myself as I walked up to the large crowd of people. I went to the table where they were handing out name tags and asked what it was all about. I soon came to find out that StudentLife was a Christian organization (Campus Crusade affiliated) and this was a welcome BBQ to invite people to come to their weekly meetings on Thursdays. Also, they were starting up a Bible study in Ilam Village (where I live) to be led by Charlotte (my roommate) and another girl named Alice. I ended up hanging out with Alice for a while (blonde dreadlocks, real talkative, friendly girl) along with Denise, Rochelle, and some other people that I met there. As I left I couldn't believe that I had forgotten that God is first Father- Of course He is sensitive to our emotions, of course He wants to give us all our hearts desires, of course He wants to make us happy and comfortable. He doesn't always do this, because a good father can't always allow things, but that is always for our good and we must see the lesson to be learned. I was reminded of my earthly father, and what a great picture I have of my heavenly Father through him.

Alice came over last night and gave me a newsletter with a listing of all the local churches, along with some recommendations. Rob cooked dinner for our flat, which was interesting, let's just say. It was great spending "roommate bonding time" as we've deemed it, as we do once a week over dinner.

So my classes are awesome. I can't remember if I've posted anything about them thus far, hope not! New Zealand history is based on creation, beginning from Adam and Eve, traveling on to India (the wonderful home of Amy Carmichael, a sort of spiritual mother to me past my own wonderful mother) and then the Maori people finally reached NZ. In biology we talk about community a lot and how it consists of all sorts of living things, all unique, yet intricately put together. My geography class is the geographical standpoint of hurricane Katrina. So overall God shows His face throughout my studies and I find it interesting that this is another example of how we cannot blot God out or make Him go away, that He is God and He reigns whether we acknowledge Him or not.

I will leave you with one of my many quotes for my time here- "If bound in body, go forth in Spirit, for spirit is not bound." Although we are far away from one another, we are close in spirit, for prayer in Spirit has no bounds.

Today was a marvelous Sabbath. It reminded me of when Jesus in Luke goes through the grainfields and declares, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." To me the Sabbath is the day of reviving, refreshment- the day we are energized to carry out our seemingly petty tasks of the week. Today is the day of rest for our souls. So it reminded me of this passage because I too was in a grainfield. I went to the early service of a tragically lifeless church and went hiking for the afternoon.

We went to Flock Hill (thank you Craig Leach- you're my hero), which is the great home of the Chronicles filming. It's a beautiful twist of paths (of which we chose none and made our own- you know me!) crossing continually over Broken River. This river reflected the great mystery of our God to me. It was situated in the valley of two giant hills, so we began climbling the first and noticing the cracks in the rocks and land around us. The two girls with me (both not yet saved) began talking about how the water had once been up this high and must have carved all the intricacies of the rock formations surrounds us on three sides (underneath being counted, that is). Well, the great flood was brought up, which of course led to an awesome conversation. The mystery of water is astounding to me- so delicate and transparent, yet the greatest force on earth, past God Himself. Why aren't we more like water, I wonder? Jesus says in John 14:12, " I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these.." Water- silently urgent to follow the path chosen by God for it; water- breaking walls and barriers, persevering and full of life- the most powerful force in the created world; transparent because it is pure.

So some of you know that one of the reasons I felt God's pull to come here was because of the sheep population. On another part of our hike today, amongst the thousands of sheep we saw throughout, stood one solemn, lonely sheep on the side of a steep hill. I related a lot to that sheep thus far here- trying to find community, but realizing that Christian community is a gift from God and not a necessity. It's not the people we need, but God in those people. I recalled the great parable of the 99 and the shepherd rejoicing because of the one that was lost that was now found. I realized that I am treasured over all creation. I'm made in His image and I bear the mark of His child. I may be that one sheep, but by no means am I alone. "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." "Come, let us return to the Lord. That we may live in His presence."

A thought I leave you with- are we spending more time talking to people about Jesus or talking to Jesus about those people?

My address is:
Katie Moore
University of Canterbury
Ilam Village
Flat 25 Room 1
PO Box 6362
Christchurch, NZ (no zip necessary)

Phone: 011 64 3 3411500 ext. 52141 (this is right now!)

Email: kmo56@student.canterbury.ac.nz

So much as happened thus far and I'm just now able to get my internet up and running. Yes, that's right I have the internet in my very own room, it is very exciting. Unfortunately you have to pay per GB used, so I figure doing a blog would be more efficient on all sides. Webmail through the university is free, so as soon as I know my email, I'll post it.

What an amazing few days I’ve had today. It’s been unbelievable, yet so real the way God has made Himself known.

I was running all over town, thinking that the shops would at some point close and I needed an alarm clock to wake me up or a converter to plug my phone in to then wake me up. WELL, because I had to go to 4 different places and because I had lost track of time all day talking to roommates and touring campus I ran into David, Holly’s friend from Illinois studying here, who had a friend with him named Seth. Well, they asked if I wanted to go to dinner with them (which I hadn’t eaten since breakfast) and we went and had a great time. Then, I came back and saw where David lived (where I live is the new version of the village and mine is way nicer). I was talking to some of the girls I live with about power converters when I saw Seth was walk up and ended up he came to see my voltage allowance on my plug to make sure it wouldn’t blow the fuse, only to stay for like a couple of hours talking about Jesus. Absolutely amazing God is. The couple I sat next to on the plane asked me if I had any Christian people that I knew in NZ and I said no. It was the first time I had thought that I didn’t have any sense of community here and the seriousness of 5 months began to settle in, yet seemingly God created a calm and peace over me that lasted until this moment when I realized that God sends believers and community or whatever we need in the moment we need it.

The conversation that I had with Seth was awesome. He’s a Jew convert to Christianity. He’s a Sigma Chi at Vandy. No interest in him, I just think he’s a really cool first friend to have down here.

My roommates are fun- Gloria, Rob, Norbert, Stephanie, and Charlotte. Yes, two boys, but there’s nerdy Rob and Japanese engineer Norbert so I don’t think it will be a problem. Gloria took me to the Grocery store today, it was awesome.

just so you know ya’ll are 18 hours behind me (easiest way to do it is subtract 6 hours from your time and add a day on the calendar)

One more story- I was at the grocery store yesterday and when I needed to sign the receipt the guy that was the cashier said "sign there and put your name and phone number on there too." I laughed and made some comment. Because of that the lady behind me starting talking to me and it ended up that I went back to her house for tea. Penny (the lady) is so nice and lives almost directly behind me. She told me to stop by often. I left her house and went to the beach with some new friends- be very jelous I have a tan!

p.s.- just in case you’re looking for stuff to send me (hint, hint) I need room decorations- like bright colored cool quote or saying signs or stuff like that- I have a lot of wall space!