House Sitting

Here are a few handy hints I've learnt...

- Try and pick up dog poo before it rains. Nasty!

- If you don't get to the cat vomit quick enough... the dog will.

- Never go shopping on an empty stomach.

- When you have vistitors over- always go to bed last. Otherwise things 'mysteriously' don't work in the morning.

- Always put the bins out! Even if you feel sorry for the truck drivers and think they deserve a sleep in on Christmas day!

Lastly: make dedicated effort to make the most of: boxing bag, reclining sofas, double bed, foxtel with all channels, peace and quiet, a dog to go running with and a spa bath!

One and a half weeks to go!

Avatar

Ok wow! Best creatively designed movie I've seen in such a long time, if not ever! I got in my car ...at 1230 at night and felt this overpowering desire that I was invincible on the roads. That if need be I could fling my car on its side to dart around obstacles in my upcoming path. Needless to say I reminded myself that 'NO- my car is not a spaceship' and everyone's safety was held in high regard.

I also have a slight obsession with nature and all things that glow, sparkle and are unusual to the eye so let's just say- I'm captivated. The scenery; forests and mountains and seas...the flowers and vines and creatures...It took my breath away and I'm still waiting for it to return.

There was a moment where the Avatars struck a very similar resemblance to the Israelites (from the Old Testament). The main dude (in Avatar) said something like "they have no home, they have no hope" and it was at that point that they collectively returned to the only answer and hope they knew.... their replica of God.

Their 'community' got me thinking as well. The close knit way they lived, regarding themselves as 'brothers'. Commitment to love and be with only One other for for the rest of their life. The high regard they had for their environment, creation was precious to them...sacred. Life was precious...sacred.

I hope I can live with as much passion as they did. I know it's just a movie but there is always something to be learnt. I'd go see it again- give me a holla' if ur keen!

On another note, just watched Hannah Montanna the movie and shed a few tears. Umm... what's wrong with me?!

Autumn

I'd be your Autumn any day!

We'll be amazing,

I know for sure.

I just haven't met you yet!

December Fifteenth, Two Thousand and Nine

Went for a walk today through the rose gardens just doing my thing.

Unknowingly singing out loud to myself I stumbled across an elderly pair of lover birds having an intimate little moment amongst the blossoms. Ahhh I just wanted to stop and stare, it was just soo.... refreshing?! Soo old and yet soo excited to spend time with each other and share a sneaky snog.

The smiles on their faces were needless to say contagious. So I continued to frolick along my way... with a few sporadic outbursts of giggles... Praying that I too will share that kind of excitement with someone in the days my wrinkles become more apparent!

3/12/09

Trying to do essays with EIGHT people now living in the house. Certainly testing my patient/disciplined/concentrate through anything skills. I wish there was a facial expression to describe how I feel right now!

Extract from one of my readings ( I rather liked):

"The biblical vision of justice springs from the conviction that God LOVES justice and that this love is an ACTIVE love which issues in His putting right situations of injustice. God's people follow Him in doing justice; that is, restoring to the community all those who , through misfortune, calamity, deprivation or oppression have been hitherto excluded. For this to be achieved, resources and opportunities must be opened up to all. Justice is a necessary means to human recreation and reconciliation."

- 'The Message of Mission: The Glory of Christ in All Time and Space'

1/12/2009

Summer- I welcome you with open arms!

Today:

- Been a week since I returned from OS. Still feels like my mind is in a far off land... I hope it comes back soon.

Can't stop thinking about the kids in Nusa Penida. Such simple things we did made a lifetime impact in their worlds. Like providing a child with crutches (for only $35) so he had something to stabilize his walking at school. At the age of 15 he has never been at school because he simply "couldn't walk". Another girl, an orphan, has never gone to school because she doesn't have a uniform. In order to go to school you HAVE to have an uniform. Why on earth on such a small disadvantaged island you would have such a rule is one I cannot understand. Regardless though- $14 or so got her a uniform and now she has access to an education. Such simple things.

I think it's soo unfair that if these kids were born in Australia there lives would be completely different. Why should location determine simple things like education? I know that there's many different debatable reasons and complications, but whatever they are...I still think it sucks!

Little ones in Nusa Penida- I hope you sleep well tonight. Im thinking of you xox

30/11/2009

November what happened? We were playing, having fun and now you are up and leaving....

Today:

- I'm sitting in the "Board Room" of my house working on an essay. I just hit the 500 word mark and am now back to doing some more reading. For all those curious here is the essay question "discuss how the Mission of God to all nations is reflected in the call of Abraham and in the nation of Israel, his descendants?"

I'm actually really enjoying it. Not the essay writing part- but more so the learning part of the Old Testament. Crazy stuff

- I'm also enjoying laughing at the sporadic outbursts of hard rain against the window behind me that lasts for 3 seconds and then gives up. Nature just wants me to come play- I get the hint.

- Last night of Life Group for the year tonight. Been a good year of friendship, laughs, encouragement and prayer, accountability and growth! Looking forward to chillin like villains.

- Am now wondering about the saying "chillin like villains" If I was a villain... I would not be chilling I would be in a constant state of panic and alertness. That's probably why I'm not a villain though..

- What else is going on in life: day by day pondering the mandate God has placed on my heart/life. And how exactly that will be displayed next year. Job wise/ Discipleship wise/ Extra responsibility wise... Who knows what i'll do/Where i'll go/Who i'll meet....

Life Is Fun Fun Fun! I can genuinely say that I am enjoying just being me. Right now I wouldn't have it any other way!

Deborah

Deborah- The ancient prophetess!

What a hero!

Deborah- was a woman of the faith by her own merits. She wasn't related or married to one of the men we know heaps about. She became great and highly regarded based solely on her faithfulness to her relationship with her God. In my eyes she was probably one of the greatest women in the Bible.

The story's part of the Old Testament where the Israelites are continually disobeying and turning from God, He raises up leaders (Judges) to guide His people back to Him. Deborah was one of these Judges. If you have time- read the story! I really enjoyed and appreciated learning about her today.

God- Thanks for heroes of the faith we can learn from xox

-> She's found in Judges 4 & 5.

Success

"Consider the postage stamp. It secures success through its ability to stick to one thing until it gets there"

-Josh Billings

Beauty

Admittedly- Yes.. I am procrastinating from going to bed. Unsure why...I love sleep?! However- whilst sitting listening to the new church worship playlist I was looking at the flowers one of my besties (Ramon :) ) got me for my bday- 5 weeks ago!!!

They're not just any flowers- they're my favourite- he knows me well! They always last for ages and are simply exquisite. For a few weeks, I've been picking off some of the dead ones and trimming back the stems. I'm looking at them now close up and there is still quite a few in that phase- where implosion is seconds away....the outside petals are about to burst with life but they haven't quite made it. Then there are several buds that have been permanently stuck in that phase, as they start to wrinkle and die off.

Although the buds still look stunning- it makes me sad to think that their one purpose in life never got fulfilled. All that was ever seen was the outer beauty they had to display. From my perspective I can see the potential beauty and life that could have been. But that's the sad part- the buds have died off as "could have beens".

As girls in today's world we have that same opportunity hey. I don't want to rely on my 'ridiculously good looks' to get me noticed in this world. I know and believe with all my heart that my Father in Heaven looks down and whilst seeing my outer looks (that He Himself created) He more importantly sees my Heart, and the life and beauty that it beholds. He sees a heart that is given opportunity time and time again.

I want to unleash the inner beauty that is lacking in the world today. I want to fulfill my purpose in life and not be a "could have been". After attending my auntie's funeral last week it reminded me of how any one of our lives can be cut short at any moment. We don't have any time to waste- every day and moment that it with holds is too precious to let slip by.

Let's actually live up to the potential God sees in us...!!!

1 Peter 3:4- Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.