At least it's "next year..."!

Some people have noticed that March (as well as April, May and June...) has passed without any new updates... and now we're in July and I still haven't written anything... Before now! But this whole post is just gonna tell you that I'm still not back to blogging modus. I simply don't have the inspiration at the moment. Sometimes I just get this blogging "block," and I don't know when I'll overcome it. I like blogging, but not just about whatever. I don't want people to waste their time on reading this blog if I don't have anything to say anyways. Then it's better to wait until I have something to say again, and hope you then might rediscover my blog.

(Until then, you're of course welcome to read the other stuff I've written here.. There should be about 115 posts here, and under "Labels" (to the left) you see some of the topics I've been writing about.)

Some people might find it interesting, though, that I'm writing on a blog for my church's youth group, but that's maybe not of "global" interest, as it's in Norwegian...

See you next year!

Hi everyone! At the moment I'm living in Argentina for almost six months. I'm having a great time and God is doing a lot of things in my life and is showing me a lot of things. But regarding the blog, I simply don't have any time to update... But don't worry! I'll be back in March. ;) Until then; Happy New Year! Seek God, and He'll let Himself be found.

Test

I'm just testing out blogging via my mobile phone:)

Drama dinner

BUMP!

I sat and ate pancakes, and suddenly the silence broke by this BUMP!
Ouch, I thought. That was probably a bird hitting the window.

Unfortunately, I was right.

I didn't see the bird at once, but from the last window I tried, it was. In spite of the crash, which was too noisy to not have made a bad headache for the bird, it still stood on its feet and looked at me as I sat behind its transparent obstacle. Too dizzy to fly, I guess, it slowly lowered its head and placed it on the ground, still upheld by the beak. You could see every heartbeat as the little body was moved back and forth by the blood pressure. My heart sank; maybe this wouldn't be as good as I'd first been hoping. Next time I looked, it couldn't use the beak for support anymore, but had placed it upside-down, eyes closed. I think that was when I started to pray. Not big prayers, but I really felt pity for the little bird, and as my bible says that not even a sparrow is falling to the ground without God knowing and caring about it, I knew I was addressing the right person. Honestly, I didn't think the bird would be fine again - it looked like it would fall over at any minute - so I asked God if he could either let the bird die quickly so it was released from the pain, or let it get better quickly so it could fly away.

Not long after, the bird raised its head and took a few steps, so I went to get it some bread and water. Maybe the story would end happily after all? It didn't fly when I served the dinner, but I was starting to get a good feeling. After I'd eaten the rest of my dinner, I went to see how it was.

It had flown.
:)


For those interested in birds, I think it was a Locustella Naevia (Nor.: gresshoppesanger), like on the picture.

Easygrass

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Eccentric!

Location: UK

Out in the world

I've just finished a twelve year long epoch of my life. That just doesn't happen every day, but it's just happened. The day I've both dreaded and longed for has already passed. I've graduated! I've finished three years of upper secondary school, twelve years of roll calls, exams and loads of homework. But where am I heading now?

Some of my classmates have already moved to where they're going to study. I'm not leaving yet, but when I'm leaving, I go far... I'm heading for the other side of the line, to where it's colder the more south you go, where it's summer when we're freezing and beef is chewed all the time. Don't cry for me, Argentina! There's nothing to cry about; it'll be the year of my life!

In the meantime I enjoy the replacement of reading glasses with sun glasses.

The Answer

"Svaret er Jesus!" (Nor.) = "Jesus is the answer!"

A cliché?

Maybe,

but I've experienced it to be true.
Again and again.
So many times I actually build my life upon it.

I build my life upon Jesus and what he did on the cross, when he became the Answer on our questions, the Solution of our problems and the King of my heart.
Through his life he put up an example, through his death he paid for our sins, through his rising from the death he showed the power working in him and made the same power available for everybody who confesses him as Lord.
In this there are so many deep things. Still, the most important of them is that Jesus removed sin, the division between God and us. He paid the bill and made everything ready for us to have an everyday relationship to God, to boldly call God our father and ourselves his children. He didn't just want to give us instructions of how to steer a ship, he jumped inside himself with his expertise and offered to take over the helm. He didn't just give us a Bible, he moved inside and lay the directions in our hearts. He gave us identity, value and peace. He gave us life.

That's my Jesus.
That's my Answer.

Freedom!

Freedom!
I finished my last written exam today!
All my books are in the shelf
waiting
for the oral exam.
Freedom!


"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
John 8,36

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!
Once again a post mainly addressed to Christians, but again everybody is welcome to read... :)

Today is the day we celebrate that Jesus is the strongest. He is stronger than death, stronger than the Devil. Today we celebrate that Jesus rose from the grave.

There are many nice things with being a Christian. The Bible gives us plenty of ideas on how to live our lives in the best way, it says we're God-made creatures, and we have many kind friends. But if Jesus did not rise from the grave, we're the most pitiful of creatures, Paul says.

Sometimes I feel like Christians behave like Jesus is still in the grave. They look down when they speak to people, feel ashamed when their friends ask them if they believe in Jesus, almost start to apologize themselves for having such a faith.

As Christians we believe - with good reason - that Jesus rose from the grave. That he is the strongest. That he lives. That he is mighty to save, heal and forgive sins. This is nothing to be ashamed of!

If you really believe Jesus rose from the grave, it does something to you. You understand that Christianity is about life and power, not about rules for life. Jesus is life! You understand that in Jesus there was a power stronger than death; God's power; his Holy Spirit. You read in the Bible and see that this is the same power that is available for us - today! You understand that God wants to fill you with his power - the same power that rose Jesus from the grave. You suddenly understand that a Christian life was never meant to be of no consequence. You understand that Jesus wants to work through you.

So...

Take God seriously! Let your life witness about in who you believe! Read the Bible and let God speak to you! Pray him to give you of his Spirit and let him continue to save, heal and forgive sins - through you.

Your life or your hobby?

I started this year on a Christian New Year's festival. We were about 150 youth there, 180 at the most, we had fun, made new friends, listened to concerts, praised, prayed, and got some teaching from people who knows God. One of these "teachers" is a man who often see people get healed when he prays for them. He said that he has never before seen as many people get healed as in 2007. People are healed from back problems, cancer and even celiac disease! In several cases, people go to the doctor afterwards, and he can't find any cancer left! This happens in both Norway and other parts of the world, as in China, Phillippians and India.

I feel very challenged when I hear about what God does. This is not because of what he does, but because of who he operates through. He operates through ordinary people, like you and me. Many times I have asked myself why God don't send some angels to the world to get people saved, to make people believe in Him. As I read the Bible, I see God had a better plan than that. He sent a more important person: his son. We know what Jesus did while he was here: Healed, cared, and preached the kingdom of God. But as we become Christians, we become a part of Jesus. Paul says we become "the body of Christ". So who's gonna heal, care and preach the kingdom of God now? It's still Jesus, but it's you, as a part of him.

I don't want anyone to pop up at street corners with flyers and a fake smile, preaching the gospel with such fastness nobody gets a word. I don't want anybody to feel guilty because of all the non-prayed prayers. I don't want anybody to be trapped in all the have-to-do's.

But...

I feel it is very important that you who believes in God takes him serious. He is desperately looking for people who are willing to serve him. We live in a world where money flows and people don't think a lot about God. He still loves them! God wants to heal people. He wants to touch their hearts, be their father. There is no question: he is willing. But are we? Take his word, The Bible, seriously! Pray him to show you what his heart is beating for! Let this be a year to God's glory! Don't miss what he'll do. Let him be your life, not just your hobby.

Merry Christmas!

Hello... I'm sorry I haven't written for a couple of months... I just haven't prioritated it... Been busy with lots of things. Yup. Think you know the feeling yourself. But this day is a day for doing things you have planned to do for a long time, but just haven't done! I wrote a letter today which I've been thinking of writing since the beginning of August. And now I update my blog! Wow! Incredible what a Christmas vacation can do!

Merry Christmas! :)
And remember; the founder of Christmas doesn't lie in a manger anymore ;)

Level up

Before I started school this year, I got to know what teachers I would have this year. I got very disappointed when I read the list. I didn't get the same teacher in Maths and Chemistry, and I didn't get the teacher I'd been hoping for in rather Religion or History. I got in a bad mood those days and was very frustrated. I even thought I would rather move to Oslo and continue school there than having these teachers.

As school started and went on, I experienced that my frustration was quite unfounded. I actually got quite satisfied with my teachers. I found my behaviour, though I didn't complain very much, quite spoilt. Because these few things didn't get my way, I didn't look forward to the semester. I lost my inspiration and motivation, but didn't even know who my teacher in Maths was or how the teacher in History would teach. Stupid of me, but a very everyday way to react and look at things in Norway, and I guess in other western countries too.

It's like our starting point is a perfect life, and that every little thing that goes "wrong" is cruelly spoiling our life, trying to pull it a level down. And we say "I don't think God likes me," and focus on every problem or challenge instead of counting the blessings. But then, if you rather look at our starting point as a down level life, and that every little thing that actually goes your way is trying to push you life a level up, you soon get in a better mood. You're looking for good things. You look at your day and see it's a good day because you got a text message from a friend who thought of you. The sun shone and somebody found your wrist watch which you had lost. The bus driver smiled to you even though you had to stop it on the road.

In the western world it is a challenge to see the blessings. We are surrounded by them, they're a part of our circumstances. Only when they're gone, we see how lucky and blessed we really are.

I got the teacher I wanted in Physics, in P.E. and in Norwegian. My teacher in Maths is inspiring, and so young! A 26 years old woman teaching Maths - that's so cool! My teacher in History is understanding and does not put anybody's name down if we're late for first class. The Chemistry teacher is calm and is not causing stress. I have a fantastic family, many friends, have been in Oslo three times within a period of six weeks, belong to a loving God who cares about the details in my friends' lives (and in my life). I have food and water and electricity, and lives in a land with democracy. I'm blessed. My life is constantly jumping a level up, but I have to remind myself about it.

Autumn colours

Just for comparison

First picture showing Oslo Spektrum during a free concert the 18th of August featuring plenty of popular Norwegian pop idols, such as Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes, Mira Craig, Tone Damli Aaberge, Espen Lind and Marion Ravn. Audience: about 4000 I guess.

Second and third picture showing Oslo Spektrum during a concert featuring Australian Hillsong United during Penecostal for all in Oslo two weeks ago. Audience: about 7000 I guess. The capacity of Oslo Spektrum is 8600 seated people (9700 if people stand). A ticket costed 200-250 NOK.



I think it's pretty cool that a Christian praise and worship band, though they're well known among Christians, gathers so many more people than all these Norwegian pop idols in one lot! I had a great time at both concerts, brought with me three cousins to the first one, but I really have to say the Hillsong United concert was the best. Best when it comes to both quality and contents. You should've been there too... ;)

When taste matters...

Local election

This year's local election is approaching. In my town the election takes place the 9th and 10th of September, which is in about 3 weeks. Since you just can cast a single vote, you maybe think your vote is quite insignificant and of no value. Maybe it is! But maybe not; maybe not in all likelihood!

But more important than your vote, more important than the parties, more important than who'll be the next chairman of the county council, is for what do you vote? To support democracy?

What party you cast your vote to most often reflects what's important to you. What kind of attitude you have. Your attitude and what kind of matters you care about is important all the time, not only every second year when you're one of the Electorate.

As Norwegian citizens we have the privilege to cast a vote. To affect the result of the election. But as Christians we might, and should, take a greater part in the election. Influence in another and greater way. This counts more than a vote! More than hundreds and thousands of votes. Maybe more than a million. We might pray. And Jesus promised us that we could ask Dad about anything - ANYTHING! - and get it, if it was according to his will. A greater privilege! Paul also asked us to pray for all people, and in particular people in high positions. Why? Because God wants the best for the Norwegian people, both young and old. He's in the position to influence even those you didn't want as the chairman of the county council. He's in the position to influence their stand in matters you care about. Or more important; matters he cares about!

So here's the challenge: Pray! Even for the politicians you don't like. Even for the parties you totally disagree with.

And please cast your vote. Reflect on what's important. Not only for you, but for God. Ask him what party you should support.

Your vote is important! Lower taxes or human value?

Unlucky?

Sometimes I wonder if I'm unlucky. Not generally unlucky, but unlucky with a few things that some small parts of life is about. Technical stuff. Not to sing praises about myself, but I've always managed digital and technical stuff very well. The use of it. The computer I've known and mastered since I was about 9 years old. Mum always asks me if she has some problems when writing in Word. At school my friends always used to ask me for help when we worked with Excel in Economics. New software is no problem. Mp3-players, digital cameraes, cell phones, editing videos, making homepages... No problem!

But...
... My first laptop crashed (not new).
... My second laptop crashed (completely new, and after 6 months...).

... and now my three weeks old 2 GB memory card for my digital camera, containing more than 300 photos, crashed. AND some of the photos was meant to be put in tomorrow's newspaper. Yeah, right! Rescuing the photos might cost me at least 600 NOK. Nice!

Christian song lyrics!

I've finally found it: a good site, without too much advertisements, where you can find Christian song lyrics. They're all there: Third Day, Rebecca St. James, Hillsongs... And more!

But there are most big and very famous artists / bands there, not e.g. the Norwegian worship artist Rudi Myntevik... But you'll find most of his lyrics at his site.

Here's the link anyway: Christian lyrics

I'm grateful! :)

You are loved!

I just want to share a chorus from Rebecca St. James' "You are loved" with you:

This is what I want to say to you
If I had one chance to speak to your heart
You are loved
More than you could ever know
This is what I want to say to you
If I had one chance to tell you something
You are loved
More than you can imagine
Imagine

Reprehensible point of view

Today at work I read an article in the newspaper VG that almost made me feel sick. The article was a reaction on what I consider a very fascistic point of view that is discovered in our "wealthy" and "tolerate" society. A female politician from the party FrP (Fremskrittspartiet) wrote recently a reader's letter to a newspaper in Stavanger saying it is "reprehensible to give birth to a handicapped child". VG did a public opinion poll measurements at the subject, and 30 % - THIRTY PER CENT - agreed with this right-winged politician.

It was after this another female politician from the party AP (like Labour) decided to tell her story of having and losing a little girl with a disease on the brain. The little girl died a few days before Christmas last year, only 15 months old, while her mother was carrying her little brother in the womb. "She was so beutiful," the mother said in the article. There was a photo there too, showing a, yes, indeed beautiful!, little girl. The little girl brought her parents closer, and they got engaged a couple of months before their daughter died and will soon marry. They loved her.

After having Hedda, as was her name, they moved to an appartment without door sills so that Hedda could easily navigate her sitting chair when she got older.

I too know some handicapped children. A girl I know is 11 years old at the moment, and has a muscle disease. She can only move her head and hands a little. She's very smart and has a beutiful handwriting. And she's a lot more thankful to life than other 11 year-olds. She once told me that a friend of her often was in a bad mood. "I can't get why she's like that all the time; it's fantastic to live!" How can anybody say that somebody who actually appreciates life doesn't have the right to life?

And what about those cute children with Down's Syndrom? Trustful, happy and easy to please. Teaches the people around them how to care, be a real friend and show consideration. "She's leading with a chromosome," a boy in my area wrote in an essay about his little sister.

What is this kind of society we have? We're the richest people in the world, but our society is so cold and cynical I almost vomit! Our lives are obviously measured in productivity and BNP, not human value. "It hurts to be considered as an item of expenditure," the politician-mother said. I hope her setback will make the thirty-per-cents' conscience hurt so badly they never give a vote like that again.