Hi, Akita here - this message is for all the people out there (like me) who have a problem with memory.

Memory Illness.

A month ago I was a victim of a 24 hour virus. It was extremely unpleasant and I was ill nearly every hour during the whole night. I didn't think anyone could be so ill. I had no sleep during the night, I felt awful, tired, and wanted to roll under a rock and die.

During the next day I emerged out of bed, threw the bucket away and went into the bathroom. Glancing in the mirror I just stared - I had bags under my eyes, looked like a skeleton, and because I had been so ill all night I had burst about 50 small blood vessels on my face and neck - I looked and felt awful.

But by the next day I felt stronger, more energy, I was singing, and eats heaps of food... it was great to be alive. I was so happy that day everything tasted nice and it was a pleasure to even do chores. On that day I decided that I would always be thankful for my health... and every day I should rejoice in not being ill. Yes, this was a good plan.

This thankfulness lasted about 2 days. I don't even remember when all the red lines on my face faded... things went back to normal a lot quicker than I had expected.

It was a shame, as on those two days where I was very thankful the praise and happiness was wonderful and it set the standard for the whole day. Looking back I can see the benefits in giving praise and being grateful for all good things. Taking things for granted is not so rewarding.

To be thankful and to praise our Lord always is of course what I aim at, but somewhere along the line I lose that. So I have decided to make a sign and stick it in my bathroom saying "are you very ill today?".... I am hoping this sign may help me to regain my focus, in praise and thankfulness, until it becomes a habit.

Are you always thankful or do you need a sign?

Blessings,

Akita.
22-2-07

To view past editions of Thrive, click: THRIVE editions

To visit the Oxygen Youth website:

If you have any praise points, encouragement, favourite verses, or short teachings you wish to share... please send me an email (I know there are some out there) and we will try to include.

Study/dinner night - The next study night will be on THIS Sunday the 26th Feb, from 7-9pm. Please bring something to share with for dinner - yes you!!! Aimed at ages 16yrs - 21yrs. The night includes time of hanging out, eating meal together, and a study/discussion. The venue for the 26th will be the McCourt's lovely home, details in church bulletin.

Vineyard Conference - Go online today and register for the "Naturally Supernatural Conference", being held on the 23rd + 24th of March (Fri + Sat). This conference will assist in understanding and using the gifts of the Spirit, through teaching + workshops, with guest speaker Gary Best. To be held at Bunbury Vineyard Church. Cost: Adults $30, Couple $50, Students $20. Register online at www.vineyard.org.au

Oxygen - Next Oxygen event will be a RALLY, held on Saturday the 3rd of March @ Grace Church, Vittoria Rd, Glen Iris. It kicks off at 7:30pm and finishes at 9:30pm. We have a few new events occurring as well as regular worship events, think BIG and keep your eyes glued to the website for further info. Note: all Oxygen events will be on the 1st Saturday of each month, so start preparing and write them into your diary.

Power House - Next girl's event is due on Sunday the 4th of March @ church, theme: BOOTS. Time: 5-7pm. Hey young ladies.. Bec has planned some activities for you during term one... be sure to catch her this Sunday to find out more. It will be a blast.... get there! Power House planers are pinned on the youth board... they are pink in colour.

Prayer - every Sunday afternoon, 5-6pm @ church.

prayer: Only two days left....for the team from Oxygen going to Tanzania on 24th Feb 2007. Time is ticking away and team are getting pumped!!! Prayer for safety, funds, opportunities, effectiveness...etc. Team members: Aarron, Akita, Andrew, Danny, Dave, Jason, Jesse, Mandy, Stephanie, + Stephanie.

prayer: for the huge Student Battle of the Bands rally planned for Bunbury young people in March 2007. Prayer for the working team of this project. Prayer for acceptance into local high schools, tafes, and local uni. Prayer for sponsors to respond positively to requests. So far a good response, but still in need of major sponsors - big requests are going out this week, please pray.
Check out the Elevator website: www.oxygenyouth.com/elevator

.... if you have any requests you would like added here, please email me, contact details below.

Proverbs 4 v 25

Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.

Please feel free to forward this email-newsletter to friends + family.

Akita Olsen - Youth Pastor
Email: olsens@westnet.com.au

Bunbury Vineyard Church.
PO Box 1475, Bunbury,
WA 6231, Australia.
Office phone: (08) 9721 3379
www.bunburyvineyard.org.au

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