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LONG LOST DREAMS

Dreams are beautiful. Dreams breathe fresh hope into your life.

When you dream, you know there is more and sky is the limit.

Dreams help visualise your hearts deepest desires. Dreams inspire you to step forth and make those thoughts a reality. Dreams fuel you towards your purpose even if that means you have to put up a fight to make it come alive.

Long lost dreams give birth to just another day dreamer. Day Dreamers either wanted  it all figured out even before taking the first step or gave up too soon after taking just a couple of steps

Martin Luther rightly says

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr. 

I would like to share on one of my life dreams, that came true after 17 years. Yes that’s right, after 17 long years

Studying in Melbourne at one of the most reputed educational institution was my dream in 2002, when I completed my Bachelors in India. Well, things did not go as planned due to financial constraints and many other personal reasons. Like any other person that would fight for their dreams, I put up a brave face, picked up a call centre job to work during the nights to make some money and kept going towards making my dream a reality, one step at a time

I would love to share few secrets I learnt through this that might help in your ‘dream’ life

SECRET #1 KEEP LIVING WHILE STILL DREAMING

Putting your present life at a stop still just to work towards your future dream is not a wise idea. It always adds unwanted stress to the moment and on your loved ones. You will eventually have your dream come true but might end up loosing your family.

SECRET #2 EMBRACE CHANGES ALONG THE WAY – BE KIND TO YOURSELF

A lot changed since I started dreaming, one of which was my relocation to a different country that came with its own challenges. Looking at the change as an opportunity rather a hurdle, helped me stay in a positive mindset. I did not particularly work on my dream at this stage, I thought my life had taken a de-tour and that probably this dream was not meant to come true. It was hard, but I believed God has a BIGGER plan. I just did not know what it was at this stage

I love the way C.S. Lewis puts it

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
– C.S. Lewis

So I set a new goal for myself to embrace the change and kept positive while still enjoying the present.

SECRET #3 DELAYED DREAMS ARE NOT FORGOTTEN PROMISES

During this whole dreaming process in my life, I had this question popping up in my mind every now and then ‘BUT I PRAYED ……. THEN WHY DID IT NOT WORK ‘ . I had to deal with my uncertain questioning mind ‘ WHY DID GOD FORGET ME.. IS MY DREAM NOT IMPORTANT FOR HIM ? ‘ with the truth from Bible that ‘ GOD LOVES ME WHETHER I FEEL IT OR NOT ‘ ,When someone loves me so much to lay down their life for me, then there is no doubt of that person even thinking of hurting me’

I fasted, I prayed , I committed every step along the way to the Lord but even a decade later I could not see my dream come true. I honestly thought it was one of those lost dreams of my life.

I love God’s Word which speaks life into dry bones and gives Hope for those that need it

I particularly drew strength from this verse, I kept believing even when my believing did not make sense to me at times, but hey we know that faith is the opposite of feelings.

Keep trusting in the Lord and do what is right in His eyes.
Fix your heart on the promises of God and you will be secure,
feasting on His faithfulness.

4 Make God the utmost delight and pleasure of your life,
and He will provide for you what you desire the most.

Psalm 37: 3-4 (TPT ) 

God had an interesting twist in my life and the way He worked on my dream and made it come a reality is mind blowing

2002 I had a dream of coming to Melbourne for study. I committed my dream to God and probably lost track of it for a while when life took over. But God did not forget His promises to me that He has a better plan for my life. 17 years later , here I am living in Melbourne and also have graduated from the same university I dreamt of just this August. The moment was surreal when I had my family and especially my daughter witness my graduation moment. My heart was filled with gratitude for what God has done for me throughout this journey .

Dreams DO come true, even after 17 years

Dream DO come true, even when you think you have lost track of them

Dreams ALWAYS come true, when you entrust them to GOD

My prayer for you today is that whatever dream you are dreaming of today or dreamt of it in the past, May the Lord grant all the desires of your heart. Commit them to God and see how God turns them around for you. Make Him your dream partner. You are never asked to do this alone.

5 Give God the right to direct your life,
and as you trust him along the way
you’ll find He pulled it off perfectly”

Psalm 37: 5 (TPT )

Come on Friend, it’s time to GET DREAMING

Reach for the starts as the ONE who made the stars is the same ONE who also holds you in the palm of His hands !

Stay Blessed in Him

Sindu

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BLOCKOUT- the world with THE WORD

My sister gifted these curtains to me as we moved into our new home,during her visit to Australia in 2016. Up until today, it was safely packed away in my linen closet.

The past few weeks have been really sunny in Melbourne and the scorching heat got the better of us, with no aircon in our home. So here I was trying to find ways to block the sun, in an effort to reduce the house being heated up due to the sun exposure. Suddenly I remembered these curtains. Neither did I have rods to put them on or had the patient to airtask this to someone. I wanted this so desperately done so I just nailed it to the wall. That did the job for me now. The sun is out of our living room and bed room, helping us to cool down a lot better than before

I went on about my normal Sunday, going to church. As I was driving the word ‘blockout’ stuck to my mind. I started pondering on this word till I got to put the below together for us.

In our day- to-day life we all are constantly blocking something or someone in our life. Right from applying sunscreen to blocking the sun which is more of a physical block or to block that annoying person in your life which is more of a mental block , there is some sort of blocking activity going on. According to our reasoning minds, we do all this for our own good and sanity.

What if I say, there is something that is readily available, which is absolutely FREE and is invaluable which when applied leads to an abundant life, a life full of contentment, joy and peace irrespective of your circumstances or situation on hand. That’s the most valuable block one can use in their lives but yet sadly, the least used block of all times

THE WORD OF GOD

Sometimes or rather most of the time, just like the way I had my sisters gifted curtain on my shelves for almost 3 whole years , which if used effectively would have helped me with the scorching heat, we tend to shelf the Word of God safely in one corner of our lives, defeating the purpose of the very reason God gifted it to us – a user manual to live a joyful life.

It’s time to apply the Word of God on our hearts and minds, to use it as a block to shield us from the futile thoughts of the world. It’s time to dust that Bible safety stored away on our shelves. It’s time to block the negativity of the world with the peace of God and that can only be achieved when we apply the Word of God practically in our day-to-day lives

Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take

Joshua 1:8

Determine for yourself, this week to block those negative thoughts , those painful hurts and those baseless lies of this world that come to get you … with the truth, assurance and Hope that the Word of God offers

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon

Ephesians 6:13-16

Overcome the World with the Word

Declare this promise over yourself this week

Remember Intentional living goes hand in hand with intentional filtering, from things that drain the life out of you to things that give you life filled with Hope

Your word is a lamp to my feet


and a light to my path

Psalm 119:105

Dear God,

Help me to use the Word of God as a filter to all that passes through my heart and mind this week. Help me to block that’s not helping my life and help me to apply Your ways from the Word in my life. I commit this week to You. Help me to have a productive week. I rely on Your strength and wisdom for me this week.

In Jesus Name

Amen

Stay Blessed in Him💞

Thank You For Your Support !

It warms my heart to see my friends stand up for a worthy cause !

When we want to change the world, it will make sense when we start to change the local community we live in, as change is most effective when done one step at a time. That kind of change has a ripple effect that will capture the hearts of people and compel them to think of the community they live in. We have raised $235 so far ! Thank you from the bottom of my hearts for the generous donations.

Myself and Hannah did more than few hours shopping this evening, going to numerous shops to find good deals to make use of the money effectively. We bought heaps of school stationeries , including pencils, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, glue, scissors, colour pencil packs, lunch bag packs and lots more . I will update pictures once we sort them all out !

Tonight when you go to bed, I want to you give a pat on your back and think of a child’s smile, which was only possible due to your generous donation. No donation is big or small, I appreciate your every penny as I see how compassionate your hearts are ! I am so proud to call you my friends ❤️

#schoolstationaryshopping #gofundmedonationsappreciated #thankyoufriends #youaremakingadifference #thanksforyoursupport❤️ #hasisplash

‘Back to School – Stationary Pack Help’ – 2019 Project1

Will you support our ‘Back To School Kids – Stationary Pack Help’ campaign to help disadvantaged families ? Even a small contribution will go a long way. The campaign is only for a week, until next Friday 18th Jan 2019, to ensure we have enough time to purchase and deliver the stationary pack. Your support will be greatly appreciated by myself and Hannah❤️ ! Let’s rally together friends !!

We are raising money for Back to School Kids – Stationary Pack Help. Click to Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/back-to-school-kids-stationary-pack-help?pc=tw_co_share_m&rcid=r01-154712159652-f174a4bffd31467e via @gofundme

My 5 year old daughter came up to me and reminded me of a decision we took when we packed our shoe boxes for kids last year, who would usually get no gifts for Christmas. We decided to help kids of her age and beyond in whatever way we can. Ever since there is only one question my daughter has almost everyday “ Momma, remember you said we will help children. When are we going to do that ?”

We decided this is the best time of the year , we can help parents of young kids going to school , with a stationary pack.

What comes as a privilege for some people, for some it becomes a necessity that they can’t afford. Did you know that many parents struggle during this time and the costs of a child’s educational essentials are out of reach for many disadvantaged families, that need help

The motive of this campaign is to help make a difference to such families in the local community. The aim is to purchase school stationary packs for kids and help relieve parents of one stress towards school preparation.

The cost of a pencil pack ranges from as low as $2 and for $10 you can actually put together a nice stationary pack for a child starting school. We need your help here , so together we can make a difference.

If you are willing and inspired enough to help those little kids, please proceed to donate an amount of your choice. If you know me personally, you can pass on the stationary to me, so we can organise the pack.

As always, grateful for your support ❤️

Discovering 2P’s of Intentional Living

blue sky ocean nature creative desktop wallpaper

Proverbs 24: 27

First plant your fields;

then build your barn.

In this post, let’s discover the 2P’s of Intentional Living

Preparation and Priority

To grow a beautiful garden, first we need to prepare the grounds. A well prepared ground makes or breaks a garden. One  has to also determine the season for the type of plants planted. Even right plants, when planted in the wrong season wither and die eventually. Doing things in the right order is one of the key factors of intentional living. Set your priorities right.

You need to do what you want to do as no-one knows you better than you. To live life intentionally, you need to plan your life wisely else you will end up wasting your time, energy, resources and ability in the wrong places/ relationships , which will eventually leave you drained out. This is not the life God intends you to live. Plan strategically and take good counsel along the way to keep you on track

Proverbs 24:5

Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel

Worrying that life is messed up at this stage? Let’s draw some  inspiration from C.S Lewis book “Mere Christianity ”

We all want progress. But progress means getting nearer to the place you want to be and if you have taken a wrong turning, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man. We have all seen this when we do arithmetic. When I have started a sum the wrong way, the sooner I admit this and go back and start over again, the faster I shall get on. There is nothing progressive about being pigheaded and refusing to admit a mistake. And I think if you look at the present state of the world, it is pretty plain that humanity has been making some big mistakes. We are on the wrong road. And if that is so, we must go back. Going back is the quickest way on.

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Intentional living stages involves setting priorities right, re-evaluating goals and discerning the current season of life to make the most of it. When lived that way, no season is wasted as lessons learnt from past history propel us in the present towards unseen future

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, Today as I re-evaluate my goals and motivation for my life, grant me the required wisdom, favor, knowledge to discern the season of my life and to set the course for my life journey. I pray for divine strength as I choose to live life intentionally Your way. Help me to set my priorities right so I can be the best version of me , for myself, my family and your Kingdom. I commit my year 2019 to you.

In Jesus Name

Amen

Stay Blessed in Him

A Sure Foundation

Intentional Living 2019 (2)

Today being the 1st of Jan, 1st day of a brand new year 2019 many of us have new plans and fresh goals to accomplish. Some that stretches us out of our comfort zones and some that propel us to reach great heights to ensure we achieve what we have set for ourselves

I prayed and I believe that the theme for this blog for this year is ‘Intentional Living ‘

I firmly believe that the Lord encourages us in our journey of positive resolutions we take to better our lives. He also wants to remind us that to succeed in them we need to ‘intentionally’ keep up with them, no matter the obstacles.

‘Intentional Living’ is all about setting the foundation right so when your feet stumbles along the way, you have help along your journey, that propels you forward towards your set goal

Sindu Varathan

Our lives need to be built on the solid foundation of the Word of God, the ultimate manual to living an abundantly fruitful and peaceful life on this earth. The Bible talks about building our values and principles on the Word of God so when trials and troubles knock on our doors, we will be able to defend ourselves against them and pass through them knowing that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us and that the deep love of God will protect us from very harm.

Matthew 7

24-25 “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

26-27 “But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.”

Today , I encourage you to look through your life and discover those areas of your life that need a solid foundation. It’s time to identify the weeds that suck the life out of you and pull them out of your life. Determine today whatever comes your way this year, you will stand by what is true.  Today is THE Day to set your foundations right.

When you choose to live God’s way, God promises the below Word for you and your family.

Galatians 5

22-23 But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

23-24 Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

25-26 Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original

Remind yourself today , YOU ARE AN ORIGINAL. THERE IS NO REPLICA OF YOU. Don’t try to be someone else when no one can be that ‘unique’ you, God has created you to be. Everyone’s call and journey is different. You are who exactly God created you to be. Declare that the Lord’s goodness and mercy will follow you and your family this year 2019, as you choose to follow Him and His ways. Make Jesus your Lord, your mentor, your teacher, your friend and companion this year. That’s the best decision you can ever take for yourself in your life today❤️

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for this brand new year 2019. Thank you for the new opportunities and the new fresh breath of air that comes with it. Thank you also for all the challenges that will come along the way as I know that You will teach us your ways through them and make us strong. I commit this year into your loving hands and I ask you that your continued grace, mercy, favor , providence and protection will be upon me and my family. We trust this new year to you. Have your way

In Jesus Name

Amen

Stay Blessed in Him❤️

PS: I would love to hear your thoughts on your journey. Make sure you leave a comment and feel free to share if this post has blessed you 😊

Happy New Year 2019

Hello 2019 !! Welcoming the new year with all smiles ❤️ ! 2018 has been great and we know that 2019 is going to be even greater !! Intentional Living is the theme for 2019 and a healthy lifestyle is my goal for this year 🙌🏻😊 ! Happy new year friends ! May this year yet be the Lords best for you and your family ❤️ ! With much love from myself and Hannah 😘 .

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support on this page. Your every like , every comment and every follow has encouraged me personally and I so appreciate you doing this journey with me.

Blessings

Sindu

A CHRISTmas REFLECTion

In my part of the world, Christmas Day is almost over. With all the hustle and bustle of family get-togethers, gift unwrapping, celebration meal preparations, tradition of going to church on Christmas day that comes with it, I sat down to reflect on what this day really means to me and probably for all of us

For many this is a jolly season, a season of holidays, a season of festivities, a season of break, a season of quality family time.

For many Christians like me, it is a day of Hope, a day of rejoicing, a day of light when love become real in the form of Jesus and redeemed each and every one of us from the clutches of sin. The Word of God confirms that in John 3:16

6 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus lived a life of sacrifice and love. To a world drowning in its own desires and wants, Jesus is the life boat that can save us.

Matthew 11:15 Whoever has ears, let Him hear

Imagine the world celebrates Christmas with its own ‘Xmas’ changes to it. STILL, Christmas is ONE day when people come together in a family to a lunch / dinner table putting aside all their differences, it’s ONE day when they take a break from work to spend quality time with their extended families, it’s ONE day when we want to do something for the underprivileged, it’s ONE day when people extend their heart of generosity for kids that never receive a present, it’s ONE day when forgiveness is extended, it’s ONE day when few step into a church for the first time, it’s one day when separated parents for once agree on their child custody for spending time with the child.

From what I have noticed it’s ONE day when people choose love instead of hate irrespective of situations, forgiveness instead of revenge irrespective of circumstances and extend grace like never before all with a smile, as it’s CHRISTmas. I see the spirit of CHRIST in every home during this season in one form or the other

If ONE CHRISTmas day has so much impact in our personal lives, how much more will there be peace and joy on this earth, how much more will there be love and hope reinstated , if ONLY we chose to celebrate all our days like CHRISTmas

Today calls for restoration of our faith in love, in peace, in joy, in hope through belief in Jesus Christ. That is shown in our acts of love and kindness towards our own self and towards each other .

Today I want to introduce you to the way of love

1 Corinthians 13 The Message (MSG)

The Way of Love

13 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

2 If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.

A sacrificial love that Jesus willingly gave up His life for the you and me, just so we can live a life free of sin.

Today I encourage you to CHOOSE LOVE

Today I encourage you to LOVE like CHRIST

That will be the greatest gift of all, that we can give Jesus, for His birthday today.

7 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

Love doesn’t strut,

Doesn’t have a swelled head,

Doesn’t force itself on others,

Isn’t always “me first,”

Doesn’t fly off the handle,

Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn’t revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.

8-10 Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

If we want to love like Jesus, we need the help of the author of the perfector of our faith. We cannot and do not have to do it alone. You might be thinking your life is over , or you are in your deepest pit, you might feel like nothing is going to change…….BUT

I have a word of HOPE for you. When going through a fire, if we focus on how bad the fire is , we are not helping ourselves in any way to get out of the fire. We risk ourselves being burnt by that fire. Rather we focus on how to get out of the fire, that will potentially save our lives. Today I want to encourage you to trust a God Jesus, who not only wants to quench the fire that’s burning your soul but also wants to refresh your soul with his living water that gives life. All you need is to believe. This is the day that the Lord has made. Do not let the day pass without receiving His gift of eternal life for yourself.

Prayer

The Sinners Prayer ( by Dr. Ray Pritchard )

Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.

Stay Blessed in Him