Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I'm heading off to Stockholm for a small but yet so great Hillsong-reunion :). See ya next year!



Me last NYeve...

And some pics from the actual Christmas celebration!

What a traumatic ending of a great x-mas day!
Around 1.30 am the 25th December my brother called to my parent’s house where my family (except my brother and his girl) and some of my cousins slept…he said “our flat is on fire” and that’s all he said. My mum, dad, uncle and one of my cousins headed off to their flat. Their whole apartment length was on fire…for more info check out this website:vk.se
I just thank God that they came home before the fire had started to spread, my brother was the first one to call the emergency and they also got the chance to take out some of their most important stuff!
Otherwise we had a great Christmas and I’ve been chilling at my parents place for a couple of days now:)








My extended family in the middle of the night(around 3.00 am)...all chocked!

Happy Christmas!

I will probably not write here anymore before Christmas so I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Hope you’ll have a great holiday and don’t forget why we celebrate Christmas :)



Me and my bro last Christmas...he's coming home today from the Europe Tour he's been on with his band Zonaria. Yey!

Christ died for me, I live for Him!

Ephesians 2:4-5 (New Living Translation)
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!

Sunday

We had Christmas-celebration at my church today and I was the toastmaster, compere or whatever you might call it. It went well and was kinda fun actually. I also had time in the afternoon to buy some Christmas gifts. I'm almost done now :)

Did you know that Swedish Idol is the biggest in the world? I had no idea!
This is the winner of Swedish Idol 2008 (if anyone cares hehe). It's the first time I'm really really proud over the winner even though the song is waaaay too cheesy!

Lucia

Another week is gone. Wow time passes by fast! It feels like I’ve been at work 24/7 the last couple of weeks…
On Thursday this week we had Lucia celebration at my work and the kids were so freaking cute and they were so good at standing still. Awww, I love my job (well at least most of the time).
Today it’s exactly one year ago since I came home, weird ha? It feels like I just have arrived and still, like I’ve never been gone.

Umgransele

There is nothing more relaxing than going up to my parents cottage. That's where I've been this weekend. Awww, I love it!
Can't believe it's only two weeks till Christmas and I haven't even bought one gift. Well, I still have plenty of time...



Photo: Clara Lidström

God so loved

Isaiah 55:8-9

8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Don't forget that mates :)

Long time no see.

Well, well , well…I’ve been a little bit busy lately, but in a good way.
Last weekend I interpreted a whole sermon from Swedish to English for a woman from Indonesia. What a challenge, but I loved it and I hope I’ll get more opportunities to translate.
I don’t remember what I’ve done lately…Oh, my cousin has been here during the weekend and we’ve been eating so freakin’ much sweets, I’m having a sugar-chock at the moment (we’ve eaten approx 2 kg candy just the two of us so I’m glad we have good genes). I attended a Christmas Service today at Ubc where I was quite involved; I conducted and sang in the Christmas-choir. Aww, it was so much fun and after that I headed off to Advents-fika at Sundholms place. Over all it’s been a good week and a even greater weekend!

One of the songs we sang:

Stupid or just not interested?

Hahaha, I’ve the funniest story to tell you all. My landlord called me a couple of hours ago and asked me if I’ve had any problems with my internet since I moved in, if it has gone by anyone unnoticed…yes I have. Then he told me that because of my router everyone at Kemigränd (the area where I live) have had problems with their internet for a month. After he told me that, he tried to explain how I’m able to fix it and I didn’t understand anything and I still doesn’t! So I’ve had my moment of embarrassment for a while ahead now.
At least it works with an internet-cable, but not wireless.

Man, this kind of technique is sooo boring...It’s great that I have good friends who can come and adjust my router-problem asap!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! - Phil 4:4

Snow

Photo by Clara Lidström aka underbaraclara

It’s snowing outside and it’s beautiful! I do love the snow I just wish it wouldn’t stay for 5 months…it’s too long. But at the moment I’m just gonna enjoy it.

I’ve had a great weekend:

• My girls from high school came to visit me on Friday

• I had worship practice on Saturday, played some guitar hero at my brother’s place and watched Narnia 2.

• Today I’ve been at church, helped Clara to make Saffron Bread and at the moment I’m trying to fix my internet which, to be honest, I’m not making any progress with :(
  

Carry you

Final words :P

Yey, I've decided to work 40% and study English part time next semester for sure now!
It's gonna be awesome!

Let go- trust God!

Last year when I was in aussieland, my parents and sisters came to visit me. During the weeks that I had my winter break we went to Cairns. One of the days we went on a boat trip to the Barrier Reef to do snorkeling. My sisters and I decided to do Scuba Diving (you don’t have to have a certificate and you hold the instructors hand the whole time you’re under the surface).

Before we headed down on deep water we had to practice on the surface; going up and down a rope learning to breath and swim with the equipment. I became scared, mostly because of the dry air that I had to breathe in but also because I saw a shark (not a dangerous one). My thoughts started to swirl and I though “I can’t do this, I’ve been snorkeling and seen everything at the surface. The rope is safe; I don’t have to do this”. I basically freaked out. I told the instructor that I was afraid of diving in. He said “Do you trust me?” I answered “Yes I do”. He said “No, do you really trust me? Just hold my hand and trust me” I answered “Okay “(with a small voice)and his final words to me before we went in was “Just trust me”. I decided to trust him, hold his hand and he led me.

What I saw under the surface was amazing; big turtles, corals, finding Nemo fishes and so on. When we came up to the surface again I told him that I thought it was awesome and that I was glad I did it. He answered “Yeah, it wasn’t too bad was it?”

I was stunned by everything I saw and I thanked God for what He has created. While I thanked God He said to me “Emma, that’s all you have to do with me- trust me, hold my hand and I will lead you to places you’ve never seen or even could have imagine”

In Proverbs (ordspråksboken) 16 :9 it says : “ In your heart you plan your life but the Lord decides where your steps will take you”

Sometimes as Christians when God gives us dreams, visions and challenges we only look at the surface and see all the fears and obstacles.Too often we say to God “Please let me hold on to the rope” and we think we already know the things we yet haven’t seen. When we let go of the rope and trust God He will lead us to places we never could have imagine or even dream of. All He asks of us is to take His hand and follow – He’ll fix the rest. He knows what’s under the surface.

Dive in and let go of the rope. Trust Him and He will lead you, even if you’re scared. He can see the potential and beauty in your life that you can’t see!

I won't worry my life away!

Honestly, how good isn't Jason?!

Workout!

I have to admit that even though I'm not one of those who like to workout a lot it always feels good when I've done it :). I’m so blessed because I got a free memberscard at IksuSpa through my job...it’s such a privilege!

Firstly: I got a parking fine last week and I was suppose to pay 500 SEK (90-100 AUD) fortunately I didn’t have to pay…God is great :)

Secondly: I do like my new flat although the heater doesn’t seem to work too well… it’s pretty cold

Thirdly: my internet won’t work and I honestly have no clue what to do about it

Fourthly: I’m going to IKEA next weekend, yey.

Fifthly: I might be able to study and work (both part time) next semester :)

Sixthly: my English is getting worse and worse :( (but I will work on it starting next semester)

Seventhly: it ’s a lot of fun working with young kids, there’s so much to learn from them.

Eighthly: Well I don’t know what more to write other than God is good!!!

New flat!

I've finally moved and it feels pretty good. Although my internet doesn't wanna work and my wallpaper is not too great I like my new flat! //Emma

Point of difference!

The tide is turning
This is redemption's hour
In the midst of the world lost for love
You are all we have now
The lost returning
Salvation is all around
In the midst of the world broken down
You are all we have now
For You are God and this hope is ours

So Father open the skies
Flood the Earth with your light
This is love, to break a world indifferent.

Our hearts are burning
The fire that won't burn out
In the midst of a world that's grown cold
You are all we have now
The earth resounding
The anthem of your renown
As we lift up our eyes
And look to your glory

Call us out let the world see
You are God and this hope is ours
So call us out, let the world see
You are God as we sing

Open the skies
Flood the Earth with your light
This is love to break a world indifferent
As we lift up our eyes
Fill our hearts with your fire
In a world the same we'll be the difference, the difference
So call us out let the world see
You are God and this hope is ours
Our eyes are open
Every chain now broken
In this world we are different
Let your love become us
As we live to make you famous
We're in this world but we are different

A generation for God?

Sometimes I miss Hillsong a lot, mostly because of their ”whatever it takes” attitude and their uncomplicated faith in God. Why do we Swedes always have to make everything so hard and complexly? It’s as if we don’t believe that God is big enough to help us, great enough to stir up a revival in our nation. Why do we rely more on our own understanding than God, the Creator of the universe? We put God in a box because we believe He cannot do more than we are able to comprehend. My prayer is that a generation will rise up to take their place in our nation, a generation believing for a revival – believing for miracles and for a multitude of people being saved. Nothing is impossible for God, it’s not just a saying it is the truth. We are small tiny people and we can’t do anything, but in and through Him we can do everything and even more! It is not only in Africa, Australia and China God is able to awaken people if it’s possible at those places it’s possible here. Are you fully living your life for God? Are you truly deep down in your heart believing that nothing is impossible? Are you poised to give up your life to see a change in your city and nation? God is searching for people that are willing to do His will, it doesn’t matter how much theology you know or how long you’ve been a Christian. He will use you for His purpose as long as your heart is on the right place – that is all He cares about. Oh, what a wonderful God we serve! Don’t put Him in a box!
Isaiah 40:12-31
12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?

13 Who has understood the mind of the LORD,
or instructed him as his counselor?

14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge
or showed him the path of understanding?

15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
they are regarded as dust on the scales;
he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.

16 Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires,
nor its animals enough for burnt offerings.

17 Before him all the nations are as nothing;
they are regarded by him as worthless
and less than nothing.

18 To whom, then, will you compare God?
What image will you compare him to?

19 As for an idol, a craftsman casts it,
and a goldsmith overlays it with gold
and fashions silver chains for it.

20 A man too poor to present such an offering
selects wood that will not rot.
He looks for a skilled craftsman
to set up an idol that will not topple.

21 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood since the earth was founded?

22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,
and its people are like grasshoppers.
He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,
and spreads them out like a tent to live in.

23 He brings princes to naught
and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.

24 No sooner are they planted,
no sooner are they sown,
no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither,
and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.

25 "To whom will you compare me?
Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one,
and calls them each by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.

27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and complain, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God"?

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Moving

Packing, packing, packing...that's it. Church was so good today! I do serve an unbelievable out of this world tremendous God!

This song is a tribute to my loving Father and ruler of the universe!

Awesome God

My laptop is repaired...wohoo, and my temporary post is extended till June, GOD IS GOOD!
Well I'm gonna chill with some friends now, have a great weekend!

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power and love
Our God is an awesome God
(Rick Mullins 1989)

Beautiful fall

Fall is beautiful up here...the colours, the trees and the fresh air, it's awesome. Too bad it's getting colder though!
Stuff happening in my life at the moment:
• I'm moving in two weeks (again!)
• My laptop is still broken
• I've been in our cottage this weekend
• My dear cousin came back last week from Iceland (she has been there for 5 months)
• Serving, loving and hanging with the one and only God!!!! He is higher than all thoughts, stronger than my weakness, He's all I need!!!


Psalm 150
Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens
Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Wedding, wedding, wedding

My friends got married today. They were soooo pretty! It is always fun at weddings and one of the best parts (except the ceremony and so on) is to meet old friends you haven't seen for a while:)

Sick again

Can't believe that I'm still having sinusitis and it’s getting worse. I’ve been home from work two days in a row. Btw, been to two great services at UBC with Simon Ådahl. All of you nearby Umeå have to go there tomorrow night, he’s sooo good and God is even greater =)!
My friend is getting married tmrw, wohoo!!!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Can you imagine I've been there? What a privilege!

Fermented Herring (surströmming)

I thought I wouldn't get the chance to eat any fermented herring before the season was over, but thank God…that's not the case. Yesterday me, my family and relatives met up at ate some :). This weekend I've re-dyed my hair, shopped and unfortunately I broke my laptop :(...luckily I've a good insurance so it's gonna work out fine without any expensive costs.=)

C.S Lewis Song

If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy,
I can only conclude that I was not made for here
If the flesh that I fight is at best only light and momentary,
then of course I'll feel nude when to where I'm destined I'm compared


Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the morning
I will sigh and with all creation groan as I wait for hope to come for me

Am I lost or just found? On the straight or on the roundabout of the wrong way?
Is this a soul that stirs in me, is it breaking free, wanting to come alive?
Cos my comfort would prefer for me to be numb
An avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become


For we, we are not long here
Our time is but a breath, so we better breathe it
And I, I was made to live, I was made to love, I was made to know you
Hope is coming for me
Hope, He's coming

Busy(?)

Well what shall I say besides that I’ve a lot to do at the moment, but I'm not complaining cos I do like what I'm doing. Although it would be nice to be able to be with my friends more often! I’ve finally started to accept that I’m moving from this flat and it feels good to be honest. I’m going to live 50 meters from my brother and approximate 3 km from my mum and dad. That’s pretty ok!
That’s all from me!! xox

By the grace of God!

A couple of days ago I got the (sad) news that I have to move out from my flat, because the girl I’m renting it from wants to move back in again. Luckily God is good; yesterday I found another flat that I can move in to! Jesus loves me=)

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Hen Party!

One of my best friends is getting married in a couple of weeks so my friends and I surprised her with a bridal shower last Saturday. We had a, to be honest, quite well-turned-out day and the best part (for me) was when I clobbered everyone in Laserdome, wohoo.
Except a great game of Laserdome we had: sunny and warm weather, some tasks for her to do, good food and sweets. Conclusion: A pretty good girly day!

Jason Mraz

He's pretty good! Hadn't heard this song until today though. So this post is kinda taken/stolen from my friend.



Wake up everyone
How can you sleep at a time like this
Unless the dreamer is the real you
Listen to your voice
The one that tells you to taste past the tip of your tongue
Lip and the neck will appear

I don’t wanna wake before
The dream is over
I’m gonna make it mine
Yes I… I know it
I’m gonna make it mine
Yes I’ll make it all mine

I keep my life on a heavy rotation
Requesting that it’s lifting you up
Up up and away
And over to a table at the gratitude cafe

And I am finally there
And all the angels they’ll be singing
Ah la la la ah la la la I la la la la love you


I don’t wanna break before
The tour is over
I’m gonna make it mine
Yes I… I know it
I’m gonna make it mine
Yes I’ll make it all mine

And timing’s everything
And this time there’s plenty
I am balancing
Careful and steady
And reveling in energy that everyone’s emitting

I don’t wanna wait no more
No I wanna celebrate the whole world
I’m gonna make it mine
Because I’m following your joy
I’m gonna make it mine
Because I… I am open
I’m gonna make it mine
Yes I… I’m gonna show it
Yes I’m gonna make it mine
It’s mine…
Yes I will make it all mine

Bored.

I'm sick, I'm bored and it's been raining the whole freaking week. I don't like being ill it's so interminably, whether I'm healthy or not, I'm gonna have a flipping awesome weekend!!!

How about this...I might go to Norway later this fall and visit a HILCollege friend. How great wouldn't that be:). I just have to get an approval from my boss to take a week off, so keep your fingers crossed for me please!!!

Sleep tight!!!

He knows my name!

God loves you!

Not much to say really, except that sinusitis (bihåleinflammation) seems to be my middle name and you all should read "Captivating" and "Wild at Heart" (depening on if you're male or female) by John and Stasi Eldredge. I promise you that the book(s) will help you to grow and come closer to God!!! But don't swallow everything, embrace what's good and unlearn the rest :p

" I have loved you with everlasting love"
-God (Jeremiah 31:3)

Regina Spektor

I apologize on beforehand for the cheesy musicvideo, I couldn't find a decent one!
So listen to the song, but don't watch the video!!!

In good company!

My younger sisters and cousins came for some fika this afternoon. They are all so cute and girly (or should I say typical teenage girls...haha). Anyways they haven't started their semester yet so they still have plenty of time to soft, and as always they informed me of all the hep that I desperately eager to know (or not). But I have to say that Regina Spektors "The call" from the Narnia Soundtrack that they introduced me to is pretty good!



The dark haired girls are my sisters the other two my cousins

God is on the move

Read John 1:35-51
When Jesus keeps on walking are you following His steps or do you linger? Do you loose His track or are you right behind Him? Do you chose to walk His path or do you make your own trail?

Matthew 16:24"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.""

True worship!

I realize how much I miss HillsongKids worship-sessions. It's so much fun to see kids jumping around, kneeling and just praise God in their own way! Kids worship is for sure true worship!!!

My church is gonna have a combined service with UBC in Björkstakyrkans auditorium 18.00 tonight, feel free to come=)

Not in shape!

I'm back to work and I'm so not into waking up 5-6am again! Luckily this week has been a soft-start and my folks let me use their car the first three days. Today was the first time in 1,5 months that I biked to work and I realize how unbelievable out of shape I am, also how much I don't like biking. Anyways I've had a good week so far and I'm going to my family for dinner in one hour, yey!!!

Psalm (Psaltaren) 117
" Praise the LORD, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD."

Laleh

I just have to introduce Laleh to all of you non-Swedish readers:

End of week....

What a week!!!
I've been hanging a lot with my friends this week and what amazing friends I have then!
I saw Mamma Mia at the cinema yesterday,it's one of those movies that makes you happy, so if you're down I highly recommend you to watch Mamma Mia(you have to like musicals too).

It's getting colder now, I went to the grocery store in shorts and dress...it was freezing. I can't believe the summer is almost gone, I don't look forward to winter and cold. Man, I'm not made to live in a cold country, but on the other hand....Sweden is the place to be...so I guess I just have to cope with the weather changes.

Palt koma

My sis believes I'm slow at updates....
*I'm having a great week so far. I haven't done a lot yet, but it's nice not doing anything. I got a new mobile phone today, finally I can talk to people without any distractions...my dear brother helped me to pick one out!
*I've shopped today: two dresses and one cardigan.
*Had palt for dinner, if you don't know what it is...it's the best meal you could ever get in the north of Sweden(here is the recipe).
*Just came home from the movies, watched the new Batman movie...I liked it!
Otherwise, the weather is great, I'm cleaning my flat, sorting some papers and chilling out!

Home sweet home

I've had an awesome time at TB. God is gracious, I can't fathom His love. He's great and the best is yet to come! I'm so thankful that He has trusted me to be a guidance for young(er) people. If you knew all the things He has done in all the teenagers (and my) life during those two weeks you would be more than amazed.
We serve an Almighty and Powerful God!!

I'm invited to three birthday party's tonight, what a bummer, they are all on the same day. But my brother is my first prioritisation so that's where I'm gonna go! So happy belated birthday to you my friends=) and I'm sorry that I'm not able to come and give you my congrats irl!

I've to say that I'm a little bit tired after two intensive, but great Youth Bible School weeks. It's only one more week until I start work again....the weeks has passed by way too fast, can't believe I've already had three weeks vacation. I'm just gonna be home next week and revive!

John (Johannes) 4:23
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

Men den tid kommer, ja, den är redan här, då sanna gudstillbedjare skall tillbe Fadern i ande och sanning. Ty så vill Fadern att man skall tillbe Honom.

Don't forget that God loves you and your life has a purpose!!!!

Thousand blessings!!!!

A day off!!!

I'm home today. TB is sooo much fun and God is sooo good. He is faithful!!!!!
See ya in a week!!!

Unpacking/packing

Last night I went to my brother and his girlfriends place. We played video games for a couple of hours...I haven't done that for years, but I have to boast...'cause I was pretty good!!!!

Today I unpacked my bag and did some laundering, and then I packed my bag again. I'm going to TB (teenage summer bibleschool) tomorrow and I will be gone for two weeks.

I got the newest Hillsong album "This is our God" yesterday, aaawww it makes me sad. I miss being in a big church! But the songs are (as always) good, I just wish they would have recorded "Your Kingdom Reigns" because I was looking forward to listen to it!

Anyways...my favourite lyrics is the two first verses of " With everything" by Joel Houston

"Open our eyes /To see the things that make Your heart cry/ To be the church that You would desire / The light to be seen /Break down our pride / And all the walls we've built up inside/ Our earthly crowns and all our desires / We're kneeling at your feet"


Here's another great song from the album:



Two other great new albums that I highly recommend is:
"God of this city"- Passion
"Kraft för en ny tid" - Unite

Row row row your boat

My baby sister, dad and I during our boat trip last night. (And yes, it's still bright outside during the evenings and nights =))





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