Why You Need Courage - 3

'Be strong and of good courage, and do it...' 1 Chronicles 28:20 NKJV

In 1955 Rosa Parks was arrested in Alabama for refusing to give her seat on the bus to a white man. Boycotts and bloodshed followed until the US Supreme Court ruled segregation unconstitutional. Later Rosa wrote: 'Knowing what must be done does away with fear. When I sat down on the bus that day I'd no idea history was being made, I was only thinking about getting home. But I had to make up my mind. After many years of being a victim...not giving up my seat, and whatever I had to face afterwards, wasn't important...I felt the Lord would give me the strength to endure whatever I had to face. It was time for someone to stand up - or in my case, sit down.'

Courage is displayed at unexpected moments; what you do in such moments can change you, and those around you. The story's told of a spy who was sentenced to death by a general in the Persian Army. The general had a strange custom of giving condemned criminals a choice between the firing squad and 'the big door'. When the general asked, 'What will it be?' the spy chose the firing squad. Turning to his aide the general said, 'They always prefer the known to the unknown, yet, we gave them a choice.' The aide asked, 'What lies beyond the big door?' The general replied, 'Freedom.' Then he added, 'Few are brave enough to take that door.'

The dividing line between mediocrity and success is courage. That's why David told his son Solomon upon ascending the throne: 'Be strong and of good courage, and do it.'

We had a wonderful - and very busy day yesterday. It was my little 5lb baby's 17th birthday. I cannot believe it - how old she is - and how beautiful she is. I was up early baking her double layer chocolate M and M cake that are a birthday tradition in our home. We did presents and all that jazz and then she went off to have brunch with her Dad's family.

The T and i then packed a picnic and headed out to Papakura to one of those free concerts in the park. Hello Sailor were playing and we got the added bonus of getting to hear one of T's old University friends - Luke Hurley - play as well. We spent about 4 hours lying around on a blanket eating and enjoying the sun and the music. It was absolutely wonderful.

Luke Hurley - chilled out entertainer

Me - chilled out audience

Nicole's friends had organised a surprise party for her so i dropped her off to that. I think she had an awesome time. The bodies of teenage girls are covering every inch of my lounge floor right now. I am stuck in my room until they stir. Apparently they arrived home about 3am. T is still amazed the the laughter and chatter did not wake me. He said it reminded him of the 12 Dancing Princesses.

Today feels like the end of a holiday or something. You know that feeling you get when you have had a really amazing holiday or break, and then you feel like you have dropped back down to earth with a huge thump when you realise you have to face the real world? Yeah - that is the feeling that i have right now.

Quiz night at the pub with mum and Graham tonight. I hope the T lives up to my mother's expectations! She seems to think he is a bit of an intelligent nerd!

Life is so good right now. Go away unexplained depressing feeling!