I was just on a website, and randomly followed the clicks to complete a short online poll- and once clicked, the results were revealed! Amazing..
I was most surpised to find out that in the new year...
47% are going to concentrate on.. Improving my lifestyle - eating better, drinking less, losing weight, taking time for myself
40% are going to concentrate on....Getting more organised - around the home, with finances and creating clearer goals for myself
and 13% are going to concentrate on...Strengthening my relationships with friends, family and at work.
While they are all important, aren't relationships what counts in the long run? Not that the others aren't important by any means... or maybe everyone has it all sorted out, so can concentrate on the first 2..... maybe I just have an aweful lot to work on...!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
At what cost..
I have been thinking about today, and all that has happened, mulling over the conversations and events, and good, they have been, rich, full of depth and truth, insightful, helpful. I am missing friends who I used to hang out with so much, but so glad for the friends who are around, and yet, at the same time sad, because many of them are only here for a short time till they head off to do other things.
As I sit here though, I am reminded of the story Jesus told, of the pearl of great price buried in the field. The person who found it, KNEW it's value, and didn't stop to think about the cost, but did whatever it took to have the treasure. It got me thinking... how do I know the real gold from the fools gold that's out there.. how can I recognise the difference and go after it with everything I have, without fear... how do I pursue the Gold, the treasure that Jesus has for mewith asimilarsingle mindedness that the person in the story had...
And yet, while I know I have the absolute best treasure that can possibly be found, in Jesus, God also has treasure for each of us, in other ways as we live wholly and completely for him! Very cool!:) and yet, I yearn to recognise the difference between the Gold, and the Fools Gold, the good from the best....and know how to respond accordingly!
As I sit here though, I am reminded of the story Jesus told, of the pearl of great price buried in the field. The person who found it, KNEW it's value, and didn't stop to think about the cost, but did whatever it took to have the treasure. It got me thinking... how do I know the real gold from the fools gold that's out there.. how can I recognise the difference and go after it with everything I have, without fear... how do I pursue the Gold, the treasure that Jesus has for mewith asimilarsingle mindedness that the person in the story had...
And yet, while I know I have the absolute best treasure that can possibly be found, in Jesus, God also has treasure for each of us, in other ways as we live wholly and completely for him! Very cool!:) and yet, I yearn to recognise the difference between the Gold, and the Fools Gold, the good from the best....and know how to respond accordingly!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
On the brink of another year...
Well, it's not really the 'actual' brink of the year any more, but this post has been on my mind forming slowly since mid-December...:)
This is the time of year, when we celebrate Jesus' birthday, and all the surrounding events. In recent years, it has been customary to 'give' a gift to Jesus, as an acknowledgment of all he did, that it is a birthday to remember, and celebrate even after all these years! And, following that, we can give, something, symbolic, or otherwise, to him as a continued act of love to him.
Mine, for Christmas 2008 came to me as I was waiting for a friend one afternoon.. actually, in retrsopect, it had started one afternoon when I was at Balmoral, watching a seagull floating in the air- I couldn't believe how weightless it was, and how vunerable it was, at the mercy of the wind blowing whichever way it goes...
So, waiting for my friend, knowing that well, things weren't as they seemed, and life, and relationships were changing... I realised just how vulnerable I was feeling, being in that position of waiting for her, and, well, just not knowing! As I was thinking about how vulnerable I was feeling, I realised how much I try to protect myself from those times.
Anyway, my birthday present to Jesus,is my vulnerability, to trust, be open, be receptive to all that God has in store for the year ahead..... and as part of this new year, He has given me an opportunity to be incredibly vulnerable... so I will keep praying hard, and trusting that God will open the doors he wants to open, and close those that should be shut.... and look forward to seeing how this year unfolds! So far, it's looking pretty exciting! Busy, terrifying, and exciting:)
This is the time of year, when we celebrate Jesus' birthday, and all the surrounding events. In recent years, it has been customary to 'give' a gift to Jesus, as an acknowledgment of all he did, that it is a birthday to remember, and celebrate even after all these years! And, following that, we can give, something, symbolic, or otherwise, to him as a continued act of love to him.
Mine, for Christmas 2008 came to me as I was waiting for a friend one afternoon.. actually, in retrsopect, it had started one afternoon when I was at Balmoral, watching a seagull floating in the air- I couldn't believe how weightless it was, and how vunerable it was, at the mercy of the wind blowing whichever way it goes...
So, waiting for my friend, knowing that well, things weren't as they seemed, and life, and relationships were changing... I realised just how vulnerable I was feeling, being in that position of waiting for her, and, well, just not knowing! As I was thinking about how vulnerable I was feeling, I realised how much I try to protect myself from those times.
Anyway, my birthday present to Jesus,is my vulnerability, to trust, be open, be receptive to all that God has in store for the year ahead..... and as part of this new year, He has given me an opportunity to be incredibly vulnerable... so I will keep praying hard, and trusting that God will open the doors he wants to open, and close those that should be shut.... and look forward to seeing how this year unfolds! So far, it's looking pretty exciting! Busy, terrifying, and exciting:)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
What do you see when you see 'me'?
What do you see when you see 'me'...
Do you see a person, someone full of talent and zest? Do you see my secret longings, and desires, the hidden secrets..
Do you see me as I was created? As God designed and purposed me? Do you see me as one that God loves, who has plans and purposes? Someone who is carefully and lovingly created, placed in exactly the right place at the right time…
Do you see all the things I have done wrong, and have been accused of, my faults and imperfections, or do you see how far I have come, all I have learned, and
Do you see straight through me, a stranger in the street, or someone who gives you a faintly uncomfortable feeling. Do you see me as one who makes you uncomfortable in your comfortable safe zone…. do you see need, and desperation as I seek to survive. Do you see hopelessness and a whole lot of need and responsibility if you look too close.
Do you see danger, if you get involved, and strike up a conversation.. do you see fear and insecurity rubbing off, a contagious social virus, that if you get to close, you will catch it, or can the love, care and friendship offered be more contagious, life giving, and freedom enabling… bringing light, and life….and wholeness
Do you see the potential for hurt, that if you get involved, you will be damaged, that by sharing who you are, you will be stolen, taken for a ride, that something will be lost…
Do you see the old, wrinkled, and arthritic exterior, or the warm, lively young person inside who once was...
Do you see the possibility of life, of hope, an enriched existence, that as you see me, and get to know who I am, you will be enriched, and grow and be a better person as a result?
Do you see me as unique and valuable, special and beautiful, or handsome? Do you see me as someone worth giving time and effort, love, and resources? Do you see me, or do you see the cover, the wrapping, the exterior….
Do you see me as someone worth getting to know, as a friend, colleague, girlfriend or boyfriend, or eye candy, or someone to check out from afar…or someone to mess around with no strings attached…
Do you see the possibilities and potential, all that was, and is and is to come…?
What do you see when you see me……?
Do you see a person, someone full of talent and zest? Do you see my secret longings, and desires, the hidden secrets..
Do you see me as I was created? As God designed and purposed me? Do you see me as one that God loves, who has plans and purposes? Someone who is carefully and lovingly created, placed in exactly the right place at the right time…
Do you see all the things I have done wrong, and have been accused of, my faults and imperfections, or do you see how far I have come, all I have learned, and
Do you see straight through me, a stranger in the street, or someone who gives you a faintly uncomfortable feeling. Do you see me as one who makes you uncomfortable in your comfortable safe zone…. do you see need, and desperation as I seek to survive. Do you see hopelessness and a whole lot of need and responsibility if you look too close.
Do you see danger, if you get involved, and strike up a conversation.. do you see fear and insecurity rubbing off, a contagious social virus, that if you get to close, you will catch it, or can the love, care and friendship offered be more contagious, life giving, and freedom enabling… bringing light, and life….and wholeness
Do you see the potential for hurt, that if you get involved, you will be damaged, that by sharing who you are, you will be stolen, taken for a ride, that something will be lost…
Do you see the old, wrinkled, and arthritic exterior, or the warm, lively young person inside who once was...
Do you see the possibility of life, of hope, an enriched existence, that as you see me, and get to know who I am, you will be enriched, and grow and be a better person as a result?
Do you see me as unique and valuable, special and beautiful, or handsome? Do you see me as someone worth giving time and effort, love, and resources? Do you see me, or do you see the cover, the wrapping, the exterior….
Do you see me as someone worth getting to know, as a friend, colleague, girlfriend or boyfriend, or eye candy, or someone to check out from afar…or someone to mess around with no strings attached…
Do you see the possibilities and potential, all that was, and is and is to come…?
What do you see when you see me……?
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Shalom
One of my favorite verses telling of Jesus’ coming is of Isaiah 9:6..
‘For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting father, The Prince of Peace’
I received this card last week, with that verse on the front, and loved what it said about Shalom in the page following, so thought I would share. I love that picture of wholeness, completeness, peace that comes when everything is in that harmony with God.
Enjoy!
The Blessing of “Shalom”
May you be whole in body, soul and spirit as a result of being in harmony with God’s will and purpose for your life. May his peace be your covering, your heart know His fullness, and by His mighty power may you know victory over every enemy. May He bring to pass the deepest desires of your heart. May you know the healing power of His presence, and the restoration of every broken relationship. Through His sufficiency, may every need that you face be met by His limitless resources. May His covenant promises be fulfilled in your life and in your family. May He bring you the greatest measure of contentment, and the deepest satisfaction that your heart can possibly know.
Roy Lessin.
‘For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting father, The Prince of Peace’
I received this card last week, with that verse on the front, and loved what it said about Shalom in the page following, so thought I would share. I love that picture of wholeness, completeness, peace that comes when everything is in that harmony with God.
Enjoy!
The Blessing of “Shalom”
May you be whole in body, soul and spirit as a result of being in harmony with God’s will and purpose for your life. May his peace be your covering, your heart know His fullness, and by His mighty power may you know victory over every enemy. May He bring to pass the deepest desires of your heart. May you know the healing power of His presence, and the restoration of every broken relationship. Through His sufficiency, may every need that you face be met by His limitless resources. May His covenant promises be fulfilled in your life and in your family. May He bring you the greatest measure of contentment, and the deepest satisfaction that your heart can possibly know.
Roy Lessin.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Aussie compliments....
I got caught out today... with Aussie humour! I still have moments where I have cultural glitches- where you just don't know what the 'rules' are, or what's going on...!
Anyway, today, it was Aussie compliments..! I am used to complimenting people straight out, not with a backhanded compliment, or reverse insult...
So why do we find it so hard, as Aussies, to give, or receive compliments, and to be a friend, honestly. Is it a self preservation thing, where we can't give too much away, of ourselves, or who we are..? Wouldn't it be nice if we really could live as Children of God, chosen, and loved,secure in our relationship with God through all Jesus has done....no matter what..!
Anyway, today, it was Aussie compliments..! I am used to complimenting people straight out, not with a backhanded compliment, or reverse insult...
So why do we find it so hard, as Aussies, to give, or receive compliments, and to be a friend, honestly. Is it a self preservation thing, where we can't give too much away, of ourselves, or who we are..? Wouldn't it be nice if we really could live as Children of God, chosen, and loved,secure in our relationship with God through all Jesus has done....no matter what..!
Carols by the Bridge!
The church I go to now hosts a carol service each year by the Harbour Bridge, so I am joining in this time!
But I wanted to let you know, because Carols by the Harbour bridge, will be fun! And what an awesome location!!:)
Anyway, if you would like to go too, it will be on this Sunday, 21 December, there will be Jazz from 5:30pm, and face painting for the kids young and old:)
And Carols start from 7:30. So, come to Bradfield Park, Kirribilli, and enjoy!
Check out the Church By the Bridge website too, here:)
But I wanted to let you know, because Carols by the Harbour bridge, will be fun! And what an awesome location!!:)
Anyway, if you would like to go too, it will be on this Sunday, 21 December, there will be Jazz from 5:30pm, and face painting for the kids young and old:)
And Carols start from 7:30. So, come to Bradfield Park, Kirribilli, and enjoy!
Check out the Church By the Bridge website too, here:)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Newsletter cut'n'pasted!
Well, have FINALLY sent out a newsletter, but thought I would put it here for those who don't get it... so, happy reading! Oh, if you don't get it and would like to, let me know:)
Hi all,
Well, for some time I have known it really was time for a newsletter, yet, where does one start, and how, seriously, does one begin a newsletter sending an update of life, when everything is up in the air, or in transit in some way or another. While things have been steady, they have been steady in their ‘in transit-ness’, so it has been a matter of waiting to see how things fell into place.
So, the following will be a bit of an update, and summary of what life is looking like for me now post-in-transit!
College
Returning to Sydney to study Counselling at Wesley Institute was the reason for my leaving Hong Kong, so the last few months has found me with my head in a lot of books trying to make head and tale of the study of Theology, and Psychology, and how they work together, integrate, relate to each other, and to each of our lives! It has been great to read books from different perspectives, and my eyes have been opened to the needs that are out there, and attitudes towards people who are struggling. Reading of experiences, and the theory of mental illness and the spectrum they encompass has been challenging, and I have been reminded again, and again of just what complicated people we are!
Last year in Hong Kong, with the children, we watch a DVD by Louis Giglio called Indescribable, which compares outer Space, and the Human body, looking at their complexities, and on the other hand, just how much more there is to learn of each, and wow, it is amazing! I have come to a new appreciation of both over the last few months! College has been far more challenging, and in depth as I have struggled to settle back into study again, and come to grips with new understandings and concepts far beyond any I had learned in this area over the last few years. Semester 1 is nearly over though, so I look forward to a break, and diving back into it all in the new year.
Home
Home has been fun, fun, and more fun! I have moved to Cremorne to live with my sister, her husband and 2 children, which has been a delight! While I wake up earlier and earlier, it is a house full of joy, and I love being there! We all moved into a lovely big house together which is in a beautiful part of Sydney, and I am enjoying the thrill of living near one of my favourite beaches (Balmoral!) and being able to walk to the harbour.. amazing!Sunday
It has been lovely to find, and join a place of like minded believers close to home, and it it’s not too hot(as I found out the hard way, last week!!!), I can walk there from home. I have joined a mid week group that has been refreshing and challenging, as well as the Christmas Choir- we will be singing Carols under the Harbour Bridge next Sunday (21 December), so if you are close by, it should be an absolute treat! There will be lots of activities from 5pm, so bring a picnic, and come and enjoy some Christmas cheer, and the beautiful harbour!
Work
Work has, this last semester, been, quite literally on again, off again, but I am now settled into a full time job for the Summer holidays, working for an organisation called Care and Share. One of the reasons why I am there though, is to work with their new fair trade department. I have been so excited about this role, and being able to pass on some of what I have learned while in Hong Kong! My immediate boss has been to meet the people I worked with in HK twice this year now, and LOVES it! It has been a real gift to see how this connection has been made, and how all the details, including a ride, with a good friend who lives close by!
Thank you for your care, and grace as I have walked these days, for some, been unreasonably silent, and sought to work out what life is, and looks like here and now!
MUCH love to you all!
Hi all,
Well, for some time I have known it really was time for a newsletter, yet, where does one start, and how, seriously, does one begin a newsletter sending an update of life, when everything is up in the air, or in transit in some way or another. While things have been steady, they have been steady in their ‘in transit-ness’, so it has been a matter of waiting to see how things fell into place.
So, the following will be a bit of an update, and summary of what life is looking like for me now post-in-transit!
College
Returning to Sydney to study Counselling at Wesley Institute was the reason for my leaving Hong Kong, so the last few months has found me with my head in a lot of books trying to make head and tale of the study of Theology, and Psychology, and how they work together, integrate, relate to each other, and to each of our lives! It has been great to read books from different perspectives, and my eyes have been opened to the needs that are out there, and attitudes towards people who are struggling. Reading of experiences, and the theory of mental illness and the spectrum they encompass has been challenging, and I have been reminded again, and again of just what complicated people we are!
Last year in Hong Kong, with the children, we watch a DVD by Louis Giglio called Indescribable, which compares outer Space, and the Human body, looking at their complexities, and on the other hand, just how much more there is to learn of each, and wow, it is amazing! I have come to a new appreciation of both over the last few months! College has been far more challenging, and in depth as I have struggled to settle back into study again, and come to grips with new understandings and concepts far beyond any I had learned in this area over the last few years. Semester 1 is nearly over though, so I look forward to a break, and diving back into it all in the new year.
Home
Home has been fun, fun, and more fun! I have moved to Cremorne to live with my sister, her husband and 2 children, which has been a delight! While I wake up earlier and earlier, it is a house full of joy, and I love being there! We all moved into a lovely big house together which is in a beautiful part of Sydney, and I am enjoying the thrill of living near one of my favourite beaches (Balmoral!) and being able to walk to the harbour.. amazing!Sunday
It has been lovely to find, and join a place of like minded believers close to home, and it it’s not too hot(as I found out the hard way, last week!!!), I can walk there from home. I have joined a mid week group that has been refreshing and challenging, as well as the Christmas Choir- we will be singing Carols under the Harbour Bridge next Sunday (21 December), so if you are close by, it should be an absolute treat! There will be lots of activities from 5pm, so bring a picnic, and come and enjoy some Christmas cheer, and the beautiful harbour!
Work
Work has, this last semester, been, quite literally on again, off again, but I am now settled into a full time job for the Summer holidays, working for an organisation called Care and Share. One of the reasons why I am there though, is to work with their new fair trade department. I have been so excited about this role, and being able to pass on some of what I have learned while in Hong Kong! My immediate boss has been to meet the people I worked with in HK twice this year now, and LOVES it! It has been a real gift to see how this connection has been made, and how all the details, including a ride, with a good friend who lives close by!
Thank you for your care, and grace as I have walked these days, for some, been unreasonably silent, and sought to work out what life is, and looks like here and now!
MUCH love to you all!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Visitor
My bro-in-law brought home a film to watch tonight, which turned out to be a really good one! Called 'The Visitor', it's set in America, with an American lecturer, whose speciality is teaching, and writing about Global Economics, in developing Nations. He is suddenly drawn into the life of some illegal immigrants, and given a very real and different perspective of life, and all he is studying.
It was really well done, and great to watch, especially as I am working full time with an organisation that, as part of it's aim, is working with groups around the world to sell fair trade goods in Australia! Very exciting!It is such a privilege to be doing that kind of work even from here, and makes me so proud, once again of the team in HK.
So, if you get a chance, check out the film- oh, and the African drums and music... awesome!!:)
It was really well done, and great to watch, especially as I am working full time with an organisation that, as part of it's aim, is working with groups around the world to sell fair trade goods in Australia! Very exciting!It is such a privilege to be doing that kind of work even from here, and makes me so proud, once again of the team in HK.
So, if you get a chance, check out the film- oh, and the African drums and music... awesome!!:)
Thursday, December 04, 2008
I was reminded on the weekend of some awesome verses, that are such an encouragement to me, so wanted to share! It's so cool to read things in the Bible that just stick out, but it's nicer still to be able to share them with others so that they can enjoy and be blessed by them too!
So, here's what I was blessed by this week!
One will say, I belong ot the LORD'; another will call himself by the name of Jacob: Still another will write on his hand 'The LORD's' andwill take the name Israel.....Isaiah 44:5
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3
Enjoy:)
So, here's what I was blessed by this week!
One will say, I belong ot the LORD'; another will call himself by the name of Jacob: Still another will write on his hand 'The LORD's' andwill take the name Israel.....Isaiah 44:5
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jeremiah 31:3
Enjoy:)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
No internet at home
Well, I have had a great week in Brisbane with my sister and her 2 kids, visiting our Grandmother.... though, Nat and the kids all had gastro in the end, which made for a more challenging drive, and time there!
Anyways, I am back at work now, with no internet access at home currently, which is making for interesting times, especially as I would love to finally send out a newsletter, and catch up with a few people who I can only 'see' over the internet.... so, if you can help me fix my internet issues, that would be great, otherwise, I will keep plodding along and try to work it out:)
Stay tuned for more... sometime:)
Anyways, I am back at work now, with no internet access at home currently, which is making for interesting times, especially as I would love to finally send out a newsletter, and catch up with a few people who I can only 'see' over the internet.... so, if you can help me fix my internet issues, that would be great, otherwise, I will keep plodding along and try to work it out:)
Stay tuned for more... sometime:)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Anything but....
Why is it so hard for us to say what we mean at the moment for which we need to say it, and why do we say one thing, and actually mean something entirely differently?? I keep getting caught out by people who say one things, but their actions, and 'off the cuff' words show that they actually mean something entirely different... and why is it that I am asked one thing, and automatically say 'It's fine', only to find moments, hours, days later that it is ANYTHING but fine.... oh it makes me mad!
We are complicated, confusing beings...!
We are complicated, confusing beings...!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Brain overload: Semester 1
There is sooo much I have learned this semester at college, and soooo much I want to share, and now that I have learned it..'get it back out again', however, brain overload hit last week, and I am desperately trying to pack yet more in... It has been much harder, and full on than I expected, with far higher expectations, so it's been all I could do to knuckle down and do what I could! I feel like a badly packed suitcase, where you are just trying to pile more stuff on top... hopefully the next semesters will be better..!
Anyway, suffice to say, there is much to share and pass on, and hopefully I will be able to... :) One more assignment to go...!:)
Anyway, suffice to say, there is much to share and pass on, and hopefully I will be able to... :) One more assignment to go...!:)
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Theming environments!
Something really cool happened today, which was really encouraging to me! Well, lots of fun things have been happening, but this really stuck out!:)
You may have gleaned that I have moved recently, and most of my time has been spent just dealing with the daily necessities of life, like living and college! Anyway, I was at Ikea this morning enjoying the HKness of it all(not HK at all, just lots of good HK memories) and realised that... I have a theme for my new room! It's actually almost finished, but I just didn't realise it was happening! Essentially, it is Spring, and all that it holds. I haven't quite thought it through yet, but have realised that all the things I brought back from HK, and all I had already, and what I have actually kept out, are all based around that theme in general!
It's still a work in progress though, so no photos yet, but I did get a cherry blossom lamp from Ikea today, and a wooden kitchen trolley for my printer, and current text books that are in use, oh, and an awesome little step ladder for a bedside table (which was sooo not Ikea, yet, I couldn't resist! It was old and marked, and 60% off, and will be fab with a coat of paint!).
Still more assignments to do though, so will try and be restrained till after then:)
You may have gleaned that I have moved recently, and most of my time has been spent just dealing with the daily necessities of life, like living and college! Anyway, I was at Ikea this morning enjoying the HKness of it all(not HK at all, just lots of good HK memories) and realised that... I have a theme for my new room! It's actually almost finished, but I just didn't realise it was happening! Essentially, it is Spring, and all that it holds. I haven't quite thought it through yet, but have realised that all the things I brought back from HK, and all I had already, and what I have actually kept out, are all based around that theme in general!
It's still a work in progress though, so no photos yet, but I did get a cherry blossom lamp from Ikea today, and a wooden kitchen trolley for my printer, and current text books that are in use, oh, and an awesome little step ladder for a bedside table (which was sooo not Ikea, yet, I couldn't resist! It was old and marked, and 60% off, and will be fab with a coat of paint!).
Still more assignments to do though, so will try and be restrained till after then:)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Random things to miss....
I have found, in the months since I have been in HK, that there are things that I have missed! Now, some of them I expected- missing my friends, the kids, community, missing doing the kind of work we did and knowing it was important and made a difference... I missed the food, and times with friends, the seasons, the weather (yes, even that!).... one thing I kinda questioned when I left... and then dismissed was whether I would miss my stapler or not..! I thought that was a rediculous thing to miss, yet at the same time, I used it often every day for over 5 years in my job, so much so that I had 2 on my desk so others wouldn't have to wait for me to finish, and vice versa... and they have staplers in Aus.... right???
Anyway..... as I have settled back into life and college here, I have indeed missed it...I have hunted for a replacement.... but none were as good...so finally asked for the details of the one I missed so I could hopefully buy a new one of the same brand... to little avail. So, in the end the wonderful TLR came to the rescue and found me one, same colour and everything! So all is well again, I can work again to my hearts content knowing I have a stapler that will help me on my way:)
Monday, November 03, 2008
Wisdom exhibition
I was... procrastinating at some stage during the day, and came across this article about an exhibition featuring people of wisdom. What an awesome idea! Hopefully I am not too late to go and see it, but the next few weeks are rather jam packed!
I think it's great, that in a culture where youth is revered, these older people are honoured and valued for the wisdom they have to share with the younger generations! It gets me to thinking about wisdom in general, not to mention God's wisdom but that's a whole other blog post:)
I think it's great, that in a culture where youth is revered, these older people are honoured and valued for the wisdom they have to share with the younger generations! It gets me to thinking about wisdom in general, not to mention God's wisdom but that's a whole other blog post:)
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Blog by Mail
Some months ago, my good friend Liz emailed me and pointed out that Blog by Mail was about to happen. I found about this from one of my favorite food Blogs last year, Anne's Food and had been intrigued, so had been interested in taking part in it sometime, so check it out! While there were a few glitches, the first time around, I am looking forward to next year already! I want to start collecting goodies now!!
So, I sent a package to Twofatals in New York City, but have received a fantastic package from Erin in Michigan, USA! I loved it, all the wonderful goodies (though customs chose to keep the tea- d'oh!) So, Erin, thank you! What a treat!
So, as you hopefully can see, there is a wonderful selection! Books, cards, Hot tamales(yum!), Craisins and Dried bluberries- it was such a thoughtful collection- not to mention the awesome home decorating! Thank you Erin!!!:)
So, for the bloggers out there, who might be interested, yes, I would totally recommend taking part next year:)
So, I sent a package to Twofatals in New York City, but have received a fantastic package from Erin in Michigan, USA! I loved it, all the wonderful goodies (though customs chose to keep the tea- d'oh!) So, Erin, thank you! What a treat!
So, as you hopefully can see, there is a wonderful selection! Books, cards, Hot tamales(yum!), Craisins and Dried bluberries- it was such a thoughtful collection- not to mention the awesome home decorating! Thank you Erin!!!:)
So, for the bloggers out there, who might be interested, yes, I would totally recommend taking part next year:)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Baby steps:)
I have been feeling really discouraged this week about college, and all the assignments. It's been so long since I have studied properly, and the assignments are big and bulky, technical, and very theoretical. Not to mention that I have never been great at studying....! I haven't got any marks back yet, and really don't know if I am on the right track, and know too, that much of what I am studying really depends on different circumstances, and pat answers don't work...!
Anyway, woke up this morning feeling discouraged about it too, and something happened- completely seperate to college, that was just completely ENCOURAGING! So, while I still don't really know why I am here, and doing this course, I know God does, and so will continue to trust him in it all...! But am incredibly grateful for the encouragement!!:)
Anyway, woke up this morning feeling discouraged about it too, and something happened- completely seperate to college, that was just completely ENCOURAGING! So, while I still don't really know why I am here, and doing this course, I know God does, and so will continue to trust him in it all...! But am incredibly grateful for the encouragement!!:)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Christmas present to Jesus
I was reminded again of the Christmas present I gave to Jesus last year (you may, or may not remember, depending on who you are, that where I used to live, Christmas day was a day for Celebrating Jesus’ birthday and giving thanks for him). It was, well painful, yet, incredibly precious, so wasn’t really something that could be shared easily. Anyway, I realised the depth of it this week, and the amazingness of God in so many ways.
So, my gift, was a shattered heart, one that had been torn, and I was returning it to him to put back together, his way. And he has done that, in so many ways, and very differently to the ways I might have expected! There are aspects that have been with me throughout my life that have been revealed, and while I am not there yet, God is at work, and showing me what he’s doing now- I can’t see the future, but, he’s brought me this far… I think I’m in safe hands!:)
I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice. Psalm51:17 Msg
So, my gift, was a shattered heart, one that had been torn, and I was returning it to him to put back together, his way. And he has done that, in so many ways, and very differently to the ways I might have expected! There are aspects that have been with me throughout my life that have been revealed, and while I am not there yet, God is at work, and showing me what he’s doing now- I can’t see the future, but, he’s brought me this far… I think I’m in safe hands!:)
I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice. Psalm51:17 Msg
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Perspectives
Last weekend I was talking to someone, and it really struck me! They were sharing about how they had Chronic fatigue for several years, and how they had tried to fight it in many ways. The turning point for him though, was when he finally stopped, and asked himself, ‘is this as good as it is going to get, and if so, how can I live, as I am, to the fullest?” And surprisingly, or not surprisingly, once he started living from where he was at, he started to get better!
I can’t imagine having it for 5+ years in various degrees, but it was amazing to talk to him. The thing I took away from it all though, was the turnaround in his perspective. I often slowly take myself down a path that ends up seeing things in a way that I really shouldn’t and get caught out, but the awareness and insight when you see things from another person’s perspective, or God's perspective, is amazing!
I can’t imagine having it for 5+ years in various degrees, but it was amazing to talk to him. The thing I took away from it all though, was the turnaround in his perspective. I often slowly take myself down a path that ends up seeing things in a way that I really shouldn’t and get caught out, but the awareness and insight when you see things from another person’s perspective, or God's perspective, is amazing!
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