All The World's A Stage

A joke

2007-03-09T22:22:00.002Z

Paddy was late for a very important job interview, and began rushing around looking for a car park. Not finding one anywhere, he became more and more frantic. Finally, in desperation, he looked up to heaven and began to pray. "Lord," he said, "I know I never talk to you. I know I'm a terrible man who doesn't deserve your help, but just this once, please help me out. Send me a car parking space. If you do, I promise on my life I'll be in church every Sunday from now on and give up drinking whisky. Amen." Just then, he pulled around the corner and right in front of him, right outside the building where his interview was, was a parking space. Paddy looked skyward once more and said "Never mind, Lord, I've found one!"

My mum gave me that joke, as she read it in her local newspaper and thought I would enjoy it. As well as making me laugh, this one made me think. How often do we treat God like a vending machine, or count our blessings as achieved by our own strength instead of His provision? How often do we receive an answer to prayer and say "never mind, Lord, I've done it myself"? We are so quick to blame God in a disaster (how could a God of love let this (tsunami/flood/death/insert your own disaster here) happen?) but we should be just as quick to recognise His overflowing goodness to us. Next time something great or 'lucky' happens to you, see it for what it is - not a stroke of good fortune but a gift from a God who loves you.

".... you shall rejoice in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you..." - Deuteronomy 26:11

2007-03-09T22:22:00.001Z

a thought....

2007-02-01T23:07:00.000Z

I have started a bible study group with four other ladies from the office. Working our way through the book of Hebrews over fourteen weeks, we are looking at the sovereignty of God and authority of Jesus. All of us began the study because we had craved some solid contact with the Word, some meaningful interaction with God and like-minded others. We are up to week three and have so far found it engaging and challenging. One of the questions we were asked this week: 'Isn't it arrogant to go around telling people that Jesus is the only way?' Is it arrogance? As one of the ladies in the study group commented, if your neighbour's house was on fire, you would rush in to tell them, even if it was the middle of the night. Sure, disturbing them might make them initially upset with you, but their feelings will change as their awareness of their situation grows, and risking unpopularity must be preferable to the alternative of leaving them to their destruction. Yet even though I don't find sharing my faith difficult, I don't do it nearly as much as I should. Or even as much as I could. My entire family are non-Christians, and I don't witness to them as if their house was burning down around them, yet they are my favourite people - surely my urgency to see them saved would be greatest of all? So why this reticence? I have no answer to these questions, but that doesn't trouble me. I know that as I continually look to my Father for their salvation, and to His word for support, His purpose will ultimately win the day. So I end this little ramble with advice from the writer to the Hebrews from our study last week, as my exhortation to you - 'Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.'

meet me in myspace!!

2006-07-08T14:38:00.000+01:00

check out my myspace page at www.myspace.com/megdeyell

carlisle

2006-03-30T13:43:00.000+01:00

'The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips then walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.' - Tobymac

Now in Carlisle, I am quickly settling into my new role with OM International Coordinating Team. I live ten minutes walk out of the city centre, and my walk to work each day takes me through the cathedral grounds and past the castle. I am still looking for a church to join - I have visited a couple and would like to see two more before choosing. Overall, I am looking forward to my time here.

If you would like to receive my newsletter, please email me.

Change is as good as a holiday!

2006-03-01T12:44:00.000Z

....apparently. I've been on holiday for three months now, and I have to confess, holiday is pretty good! I'm heading back to the UK next week to a whole lot of changes, so I guess the good times will keep on rolling...! I will be moving from Birmingham to Carlisle, joining a new team called OMNIvision and taking on a new role as an events manager, moving into a new house with new people. I'm really looking forward to it!

I've had a great time at home, and got to spend time with my family - particularly my parents as I was staying with them. I went to New Zealand for my grandmother's 80th birthday, so also got to see my extended family after about 12 years! Seeing my cousins go from toddlers to teenagers was quite something.

Thanks to everyone who have been praying for me and my new direction this year, and a huge thanks to the people who have come on board as financial partners and helped me to get where I am. Here's to a jam-packed and fantastic 2006!

The Narnia Cast

2005-10-28T16:33:00.000+01:00

The Narnia Cast
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

me as Edmund, Celine (France) as the White Witch, Rachel (UK) as Susan and Ella (Germany) as Lucy. Our Peter unfortunately couldn't be there that day. Celine also doubles as Mr Tumnus and Mr Beaver.

The children and Mr Beaver

2005-10-28T16:32:00.000+01:00

PICT2938
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

(l to r) Edmund, Lucy, Mr Beaver and Susan

Narnia

2005-10-28T16:03:00.000+01:00

Throughout September and December, the Performing Arts team have been performing selections of 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe' in schools. It was part of a larger presentation that looked at the life of the author, CS Lewis, the history of the book, and its links to Christianity. The kids who have seen it so far really enjoyed it, and we're looking forward to our next performances in November.

Go Conference De Bron 2005

2005-09-05T11:07:00.000+01:00

For the last two weeks, I have been in Holland at the OM Go Conference. I was working with the programme team, responsible for the implementation of the programme. This meant stage managing the sessions, liaising with the AV team and Logistics, making sure everyone knew where they were supposed to be and when. I had a great time, and everything (luckily for me!) went very smoothly. The conference is for new recruits with OM, so pray for them as they head out to their new fields and responsibilities.

I have attached some photos of me at the Go Conference below. Enjoy!

meg at work

2005-09-05T11:06:00.001+01:00

meg at work
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

Supervising the outdoor stage at the Go Conference

meg concentrating

2005-09-05T11:06:00.000+01:00

meg concentrating
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

I am stage managing a session at the OM Go Conference De Bron 2005.

tana at hosp

2005-07-04T22:14:00.000+01:00

tana at hosp
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

My new nephew Tana Thomas Deyell, what a sweetie. Born 27th June. Welcome to this world, little cutie! (I love him already, even if I am in England and he's in Australia!)

tana, dad and grandad

2005-07-04T22:13:00.000+01:00

tana, dad and grandad
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

Three generations of Deyell men - my dad Richard, my brother Cameron, and my nephew Tana. Like father like son like son!

tana, mum and dad

2005-07-04T22:12:00.000+01:00

tana, mum and dad
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

Tana (one day old) with my brother Cameron (his dad) and Cam's girlfriend Kathryn (his mum). Already looking at the camera!

In God's own image...

2005-06-08T11:42:00.000+01:00

In God's own image...
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

Click on the image to see it full size.

How's your attitude?

2005-06-08T11:04:00.000+01:00

A native North American boy was talking with his grandfather. "What do you think about the world situation?" he asked.

The grandfather replied, "I feel like two wolves are fighting in my heart. One is full of anger, resentment and hatred. The other is full of love, forgiveness and peace."

"Which one will win?" asked the boy.

The grandfather replied, "The one I feed."

I've been reflecting a lot lately about my attitude to situations, and want to encourage you to think about how you choose to react to what happens in your life. Do we resent, become bitter and angry, or do we choose to love and forgive?

'If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.' - Philippians 2:1-5

Amazing answer to prayer!

2005-05-20T20:57:00.000+01:00

I have been very encouraged today by the response of one of my supporters to a recent distress call I placed in my prayer newsletter. I need to go to Germany in July, but didn't think I would be able to go because I can't afford it. My supporter has generously provided the full amount I need for my trip! I found this very encouraging and a reminder of how generously God provides for me through the people around me.

I am still underfunded for my ministry here in the UK, but I trust God and look to His continual provision. If you would like to partner with me in my ministry, I would love to hear from you - megdeyell@yahoo.com.au

Blessings to all!

beating the isotope

2005-04-13T13:52:00.000+01:00

beating the isotope
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

This is the team of students who joined LUKE with me in January. We are on an adventure training day, and have just completed in four minutes a task that took the previous group 10 hours to complete! We are very pleased with ourselves!

me, celine, ella, eun ju

2005-04-13T13:50:00.000+01:00

me, celine, ella, eun ju
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

from l to r: me, Celine (France), Ella (Germany) and Eun Ju (South Korea)

sunset at heidelberg castle

2005-04-04T18:19:00.000+01:00

sunset at heidelberg castle
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

I have tried to make the quality of this picture a little better - I took this standing on the balcony of Heidelberg castle overlooking the valley.

Points for pondering and prayer

2005-03-31T22:39:00.000+01:00

I send out a bi-monthly newsletter which has more details of my ministry and particular prayer points. If you would like to receive it, please send me an email and I would love to add you to my list!

Otherwise, here are a few points to think about and/or pray for me:

1. I am currently writing a ministry proposal of what my work with OM LUKE will specifically involve. Please pray for wisdom as I write and discernment about what to include and what not to include.
2. Please pray for my back - I fractured some vertebrae a little over a year ago, and whilst it is much better, I still occasionally have very painful days. Pray for rest and healing.
3. "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" - Matthew 16:26. Please pray that I can share with my non-Christians friends how much God wants to be part of their lives.

Thankyou very much for your thoughts and prayers!

in st james park

2005-03-31T22:37:00.000+01:00

in st james park
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

Spring has arrived in St James' Park, near Buckingham Palace. My friend Lisa took this photo of me on the same day as lunch at the Sherlock Holmes Hotel.

lunch at the sherlock holmes hotel

2005-03-31T22:35:00.000+01:00

lunch at the sherlock holmes hotel
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

My friend Lisa and I enjoying the sun in London, at the Sherlock Holmes Hotel with a glass of wine and excellent fish and chips. Highly recommended if you're ever in the Charing Cross area.

kinver edge park

2005-03-31T22:33:00.000+01:00

kinver edge park
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

I took this photo as part of an assignment at Kinver Edge Park - a rare sunny day in England, heralding the start of spring!

sheep at kinver edge

2005-03-31T22:32:00.000+01:00

sheep at kinver edge
Originally uploaded by Miss Meg.

As part of an assignment, I had to take a photo of a four legged creature. There were plenty of canine friends around, but I thought these two were much cuter!

Welcome!

2005-03-31T17:26:00.000+01:00

I am a missionary working with Operation Mobilisation (OM) as a trainer at LUKE, OM's UK training centre. This blog is for updates on what I am doing, my thoughts and prayer points. Enjoy!

WHAT I DO:
· train evangelists and evangelism students in the use of creative and performing arts as a means for evangelism.
· work with the students and use my skills and experience to create productions of high standard, appealing to the secular theatre-going community, that are gospel-focused and evangelistic.
· explore ways of creatively presenting the gospel to our media-centric world.

WHY?
· In modern society, many people do not attend church. Most have never read the Bible and few know or understand the message of the gospel. Sharing Christ in this culture means more than inviting people to church. Although few people would choose to go to church, many are willing to attend a concert or theatre production. Using the performing arts, we are able to reach people who would never attend a church service.
· God has given me the unique opportunity of being highly trained and experienced in an elite industry. I want to
o take that knowledge from my work in the secular industry and apply it to a church context, encouraging Christians to celebrate their God-given creativity - using their gifts to glorify God and communicate the life-changing message of the gospel.
o use creative arts to reach people for Christ in a way that is relevant and easy to understand; meet people on their level.
I am excited about the opportunity of working with God to meet such a specific need, sharing my unique skills and experience with evangelists who can then reach out to people who might never go to church.

A BIT ABOUT ME...
I am a professional stage and production manager, known for my ability to remain calm under pressure and love of multi-tasking. After graduating from the Venue Operations course at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, I have enjoyed switching between roles such as Production Manager, Stage Manager and Orchestra Manager, broadening my knowledge and skills across a number of disciplines including music concerts, theatre, film and musical theatre.
Career highlights include touring Stravinsky’s A Soldier’s Tale with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Bell Shakespeare Company, the award-winning season of Angry Eddie for the 2004 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and supervising the background music at Russell Crowe’s wedding.