Be Strong and Do Not Give Up

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 15:7, NIV)

Standing under a tree enjoying the cool shade and light breeze, I noticed just in front of me, a flying insect. It was about 2 cm’s long, facing away from me with its tiny wings a blur. But it was not going anywhere. Despite its efforts, the light breeze was enough to prevent it making any forward progress.

When the breeze increased, the insect was pushed backwards and would then struggle to regain its former spot. No matter what it did though it could not seem to make any progress past the initial position where I first noticed it. I watched this pattern of backwards and forwards being repeated for several minutes until suddenly the wind eased a fraction. The insect shot forward and was gone.

As I walked away, I thought how much like life that is. Sometimes no matter what we do, how hard we work, or how much we try to change or accomplish something, we seem to get nowhere. And sometimes we find ourselves a step or two backwards.

At those times when we are mentally or physically drained and not seeing the results we want, it’s easy to give up. It's frustrating to work day in and day out and not see any progress.

But those things holding you back will not remain forever. Whatever is blocking your progress will pass. The wind will ease, often when least expected, and you will spring forward.

And what you often find, is that the effort and tenacity you exerted to keep at it, to persevere day in and day out, will supply the strength you need for the next part of the journey. The effort will not be wasted. It can all be redeemed.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

P.S. And if things did get too hard and you gave up somewhere along the way, nothing says you can't get back up and try again.

(David Hollis)

What Are You, O Great Mountain?

Zerubbabel had his hands full. Not only had he a name that's hard to pronounce, but also an overwhelming building project. He was the new Governor of Judea, fresh from the exile in Babylon, with a commission to rebuild the temple.

Early excitement fueled a great beginning, but like on many a building site since, work soon ground to a halt. Early enthusiasm dwindled as opposition, from the people and nations round about, increased. Discouragement had struck. It became too hard. Work on God's house stopped for many years and the people instead turned to building their own houses.

So, God sent the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to encourage the people,

"This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts. What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain; and he shall bring out the top stone amid shouts of 'Grace, grace to it!'" (Zechariah 4: 6-7, NRSV)

God wanted Zerubbabel and the people to understand that building the temple didn't depend on their strength or ability alone. His Spirit was the power that would see it through. And when it was completed, they would recognise it was not done by their strength and power, but by the grace of God.

God's words encouraged the people and they got back to work and completed the temple with great rejoicing.

What strikes me about this story is how God's will and purpose is often greater than our ability to do it. Many times, I’ve come to the realisation that I don’t have the talent, ability or power to do what God has put on my heart to do. We are often slow and reluctant to realise this, but when we do, two roads stand before us: the road of discouragement and turning away, or the road of faith and trusting God to help us do what we can't do ourselves.

The road of discouragement is the easy and well-trodden path. If you do walk this way (and which of us hasn’t?), all is not lost for you will find, like Zerubbabel, that God will come, time and again, to encourage and draw you back. He is the God of the second chance. And the third and the forth….

Very often the walk of faith comes after the walk of discouragement. So never give up hope.

There will always be opposition. There will always be mountains in the way. There will always be giants confronting you. There will always be times when you can’t do what must be done. Or have the strength to carry on.

But neither the problems nor your inabilities need stop you. Every obstacle is an opportunity for the Spirit of God. By His Spirit mountains are flattened, obstacles are removed, lives are transformed, the impossible made possible, the broken mended and His plans and purposes fulfilled.

Understanding this can be a process though and there will be days when you need to remind yourself of it often.

Has God put something on your heart - a work, a calling, a ministry, vocation or dream? But you don't have the skills, the strength or the resources to do it and you’re either struggling with discouragement or trying to bring it about by sheer willpower and effort.

God wants to encourage you that it's not about your strength and ability alone. It's His Spirit that provides the power and help you need. When you see this, really see it, then like Zerubbabel you'll be encouraged to carry on. Your work and your life will take on a simplicity and a calm, relaxed pace which are characteristic of walking in faith.

You still work, you still do what you can, but you do so knowing that the underlying power is God's and that you’ll get to the end with cries of, "Grace, grace to it."

(David Hollis)

Retreat, Relax & Re-Charge

The modern world can be a challenging and difficult place for all of us at times. Life seems more complex and pressured with the constant fast pace & ‘busyness’ that can so easily creep in to our lives. It can be easy to become depleted physically, emotionally and spiritually in these circumstances, and to lose touch with what’s important. Sometimes, we need the time to just be. To process, relax, unwind, re-set & look after ourselves.

Orama is a pretty special place for that. Our bay has been known as a valley of restoration from its beginning. Here you take advantage of our hospitality & stunning location, get away from it all and nourish yourself with a time that might just change your life. We hope you can recharge here and head back into life with renewed focus and sense of well-being.

“Orama for me is a place of re-set. No matter what’s going on in my life, I can come out here, de-stress, & remember what matters. I like to come at the beginning of every year – I always leave feeling refreshed and re-focused ready for the year ahead.”

The Art of Night Photography

World renown Astro Photographer Mark Gee has come out to Orama 3 times now to run exclusive photography workshops with a small amount of photographers.

The workshops have all been a success & have included learning about Astrophotography setup & the art of time lapse guided by one-on-one feedback from Mark alongside self directed work.

The program is also designed to capture the essence of Aotea’s community and lifestyle, and includes a Marae visit with traditional Māori powhiri (welcome), & stories of Matariki shared by kaumatua and kuia of Ngāti Rehua Ngāti Wai ki Aotea.

These workshops have really been an unforgettable experience for those who attend.

“One of the coolest events I have ever been a part of. We learned so much and I have a bunch of images I’m proud of.”