Life's Little Moments

To Sniff or To Blow!

2010-02-10T21:15:00.006+13:00

There are days, like today, when I wish I could trade my nose in for a new one and yet, if this is the sum total of my problems, I'm well aware I get of lightly!

After dreaming of what might make an interesting blog yesterday, I've spent almost the entire day with a box of tissues at my elbow and have done rather little in the way of anything constructive today except, perhaps, look after my daughter, fire-up some neurons in that growing brain of hers and entertain the debate of whether I should sniff or blow everytime my nose ran!

The highlight of my day you ask? Feeding Cholae a chocolate biscuit! ....oh Plunket Schmunket to all of you who can hear your plunket nurses saying, "You do realise, you're setting up habits for life!" It was a chocolate wheaten afterall - there's nourishment in that isn't there?! And in defense of plunket nurses everywhere, my nurse is fantastic!

For every other mother out there who feeds the occasional chocolate biscuit, I hope you enjoy this....!

And to add to my parenting skills for the week, someone has just learnt to pull herself up...on everything!! Do you think this is too close to the TV even if it is The Wiggles??!

And as far as sniffing or blowing is concerned, I have to say I've ended the day not really caring just as long as it doesn't drip!!! :-)

Our Baby Girl!

2010-02-09T20:39:00.003+13:00

Wow! How time flies and how things change...I simply can't believe it's been so long since I've written. It feels good to let my fingers fly over the keys for no other reason, really, than my own selfish need to unwind a little!

After all my ranting and raving in the last post, Cholae Julienne Baker was born on the 22nd January 2009 - not the way we planned but she came out with 10 fingers, 10 toes and a pretty healthy cry so we were happy! She was 7 pound 5 ounces and we have to confess - she is the apple of our eye! This smile says it all...

She is such a delight and there is always something that we're learning as parents. I have to say that I feel at times that my choice of parenting style goes a little against the 'kiwi norm' (if there really is such a thing!) but as I see the results in Cholae and as I see her personality and character traits starting to take shape, I'm pretty happy with what we're doing! You're all probably wondering what the heck we do differently but in a nutshell, we just don't let her 'cry it out' when it comes to sleep and I'm still breastfeeding after a year (and quite happy to keep going at this stage!). Might not sound like much but the advice to do exactly the opposite can at times be overwhelming!

Anyhow, Shaun and I are almost fully settled in Pukekohe - just a few more boxes to go this weekend...or next weekend. I hope to be able to write a bit more but no promises! We really have hit the ground running here and there doesn't ever seem to be a dull moment! Now I'm thinking through my to-do list for tomorrow wondering what moment might turn into a good blog....til tomorrow - or another day!

P.S. - more photos of Cholae on facebook :-)

How's this for interesting...

2008-12-12T09:11:00.002+13:00

The bump is growing fantastically - 33weeks now. I regularly have all this movement where my tummy takes on a life of its own and there's all this squirming going on just under the surface. It's just the most amazing thing! An absolute miracle that's going on inside - I'm looking forward to when I can grab a foot or an elbow sometime in the last few weeks!

Anyway, the midwife was over the other day and we've been talking waterbirth/homebirth etc and going through all the information and options. Of course, when you mention this to others (after the silences or the gasps!), you get every horror story around - when you go on your own hunt for reliable information, stats and personal experience, the idea is not so scary, precautions and all!

Because of the different reactions I've had (which I haved weighed up with everything else!), in passing I asked the midwife why so few people outside of birthing/pregnancy circles were confident in natural birth and her response was, "You're a Christian right?" (to which I answered yes!) ...she then went on to say, "Well, that belief in God gives you and other Christians a confidence that your body can do what it was designed to do. It's like with everything you have to think about, you have one less worry because of your faith in God."

I was pretty impressed with that answer but I have to confess to a bit of a struggle as I've thought more about it all, for a slightly odd reason...most of the people who have reservedly tried to convince me that 'hospital is best' are Christians!

Now don't panic if you're one of them because I wouldn't have talked so much about it if I wasn't prepared to hear the good, the bad and the ugly - that's real life with friends and family! If you're also one of those women who went to hospital and cried, "Give me the drugs now!" or had some type of intervention through circumstances that were out of your control, you are still up there in my books - hey, you've actually had a child!! I'm still just planning to have one...although the reality is creeping closer by the day!

The real challenge for me in all of this was the perception of my midwife that there's a link between Christianity and confidence. I think that the confidence she was talking about is not just in support of labouring as naturally as possible but that she is also alluding to the ability to be able to make a decision confidently as a Christian and then relax, knowing/having a peace that God is ultimately in control.

The decisions there are to make around having a child seem to be endless as the time draws closer - there's always some new research to consider and a few more 'dos and don'ts' added to the invisible 'Responsible Parenting of a Newborn Baby' list but the challenge for me is clear - I have to do my part to make an informed decision and then confidently rest in the knowledge that God is in that decision and ultimately in control of the whole situation.

I hope that I'm one of those Christians that carries a Godly confidence in all that I do to the point where people wonder where it comes from and I get the chance to share.

...and until the due date, enough talk about how this baby is going to arrive!! I'm going to continue to wash all the little gifts of clothing and nest to my hearts content! I never thought I'd bake so much in my life...not that that alone is nesting but it is great to be able to be home and to have the time to do it all the same! If you happen to be around, drop in and enjoy the latest treat sitting in the pantry but be warned, Shaun may just beat you to it! :-)

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2008-10-26T17:13:00.005+13:00

Man - where has this last year gone?!

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since we were married!

The actual day of our anniversary (20th), we were away with about 50 other Salvation Army Officers at a 3 day fellowship/retreat so after some clever scoping, I found a little cafe out in Whitemans Valley, Upper Hutt and off we went on a sunny Saturday morning. It was seriously gorgeous! Child friendly even, so we will definitely be going back again!

After a year of marriage though, I can report that we are happily, happily married and can't wait for our first little one to arrive! Here's to many more years of fun, laughter, good times and challenges shared.

The bump is here!...

2008-09-26T14:53:00.004+12:00

It has taken a while but somewhere about week 20, I popped!...
and here's the result!
I have a much fuller face than I'm used to so when I'm brave enough, I might put a full body shot in... watch this space!
Rest assured, I'm enjoying it all the same - especially now some movement has started. The baby loves to flip-flop at some odd times through the day!

In general, it has been a shamefully long time since I have blogged and I've had some cracker attempts in my head. I've been a bit of a shocker at taking time for myself though so again, watch this space - I fully intend to write more!

SOS - A Tribute to 'Uncle Bob'

2008-04-17T17:28:00.003+12:00

It's been a shamefully long time since I've posted anything but I was moved to write today. I'm on holiday but in order to avoid the huge stack of emails in my Inbox on return, I've logged in and waded through them every couple of days.

Today, I was shocked to read of the passing of a great Salvation Army Officer - Major Bob Millar. I've only known Bob and Evelyn a few years but what a great impact they've both had on my life. It's funny reading Bob's blog (http://www.millarbug.blogspot.com/) as I've missed his stories!

While I was in Christchurch on out-training, Bob and Evelyn took me under their wing, looked out for me and treated me like a child of their own. I love catching up with them when I can. While I was there, Bob got me involved in the street ministry (SOS) and I learnt some of the biggest lessons of my life. I had my theology challenged to the very core and Bob barely said a thing - it was simply what he did.

He had a heart for 'the least of these' and his life challenged me to change and to action.

Evelyn - my heart goes out to you and your family. Thank you for all you did for me - you were my saving grace, your attention and encouragement were both timely and a gift from God.

Red Hot

2007-11-09T09:03:00.000+13:00

Dear 'Anonymous' (aka 'too-chicken-to-leave-a-name'!!),

Regarding the post below, if you are referring to these...

...I would have to say I much preferred these!

Although at least our MC (some cagey guy from Blenheim hiding behind those other shoes!) waited until the reception to break the colour theme of the day...wise man!

Your sister in Christ

Mrs Baker

In a sleepy little town called Nelson...

2007-11-06T16:56:00.000+13:00

...on the 20th October 2007, I donned some pretty cool shoes and...

...well, I walked down the aisle to the man of my dreams! Oh, sappy I know but it felt like a fairytale - it really did! From start to finish, the day was fantastic - everything went off without a hitch and, even though we're both back at work, we're still living the high which is great!

There are just so many photos to choose from I really couldn't narrow it down so, check out the photo blog over the next couple of days and I'll keep adding, and adding, and adding!!

In the meantime, here's a little something to keep you going!

Thanks to all those who shared in our day whether in thought or actually with us at Nelson - you all made the day that much more special!

Whizbang Weekends

2007-08-30T18:04:00.000+12:00

Wow! - I've had a pretty packed weekend just gone by.

Shaun was over and our time started with dinner on Friday night with friends straight after picking Shaun up from the ferry. We spent the night at a cute little Italian restaurant right in the middle of town - it was a such a good time of catching up. Livi & Bronwyn are great friends for us here in Wellington!

Saturday started with a photo-shoot of sorts they are for a surprise wedding present we know nothing about other than it requires some pretty specific shots from us... made for an interesting photo shoot at times - tempting to share those photos... but I won't!! Then we rushed to a Tupperware party where I ooo'd and aaaah'd with some friends over the latest kitchenware and decked out our pantry with a few plastic containers (only those that truly know me will know how soothing that afternoon was!).

From there, we raced back into town and went to the rugby (Tasman Makos vs Wellington) and caught the second half. Then... (yes there's more!)... we had a light dinner at Roxy's cafe in town again and went to see the Bourne Ultimatum and I LOVED it! I did get a bit of motion sickness with all the fast action shots, but it's awesome! If you liked the first two - this will just complete it all!

Sunday went by at a rate of knots as well! We had the service at Kilbirnie in the morning, then went for a drive around the peninsula and stopped at The Chocolate Fish Cafe briefly for ice-cream, wound our way back to Elements for another stop (it was Hot Chocolate time by then because it was so windy and cold!) and then, after dinner... here's the big thing... we went to the Ten Tenors and it was FANTASTIC!!

I just love tenor voices - Andrea Bocelli being my favourite - and this was like listening to 10 of him! They had a whole stage show which took you through the ages of music from some of the great classical songs to Cheek to Cheek to Rock'n'Roll and Swing numbers - even Hotel California and some modern day songs. And, of course, their encore finished with Nessun Dorma - just brilliant! It was a surprise for me from Shaun - this is where you all sigh! - not bad huh?! I'm thinking I'll keep him!

By Monday, all I had ringing in my ears was Nessun Dorma...ALL DAY!

Signs, Sponges and the Word

2007-08-30T17:49:00.000+12:00

Ok... so I'm getting jibes about not writing for ages - again! I thought you might enjoy this then - just a little something I had to write for the Division:

Hanging Up Signs, Wringing Out Sponges and the Word

I’ve been bombarded by analogies and illustrations of late and to say that they have left me challenged would probably be an understatement of sorts so let me share!

I wish I could sit here and describe a typical ‘day-in-the-life’ of a Corps Officer or a Social Officer but, alas, that is not yet my privilege! I can however, describe an all-too-familiar day from my desk at DHQ. The emails roll in, the days just seem to disappear, the ‘interruptions’ are a plenty and the to-do list grows – candidates need ‘processing’ (horrible word that!) and as one event fades into the distance, the next grows, looming ominously around the corner…and the tendency to hang up the ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ sign is tempting to say the least!

It wasn’t until someone said, “You’re just way too busy to stop for me,” that the penny really dropped. I realised that it is all too easy to hang up the ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ sign, whether we mean to or not, and I NEVER wanted to become the type of officer that did that!…Challenge Number One!

Then there’s my kitchen tap at home. It drips. Constantly. Relentlessly. And believe it or not, there’s just no solution! As I’m the type who can’t drive peacefully if my keys are rattling in the ignition, you can understand how a dripping kitchen tap in the quiet of the night nearly sends me over the edge!!

How did I get challenged from a dripping tap you ask? Well, my life-saving answer to the dripping tap is the kitchen sponge - it acts as my silencer and absorbs all the drips but then something else happens. It gets so full that it can’t absorb another drop and then it just seeps into the sink.

When we receive spiritual food week after week, month after month, year after year, we can become like the sponge. We can absorb so much that we can’t take anything else in… unless we start giving something out. And that got me thinking – when was the last time I wrung out my sponge – even just a little? Am I giving out or just constantly wanting to receive and be fed?…Challenge Number Two!

And then there’s the Word. How many miracles happened when Jesus was ‘interrupted’? How often are we encouraged to do things for others? Here’s what has been playing over and over in my mind since Livefire...

Matthew 25:34-36, 40 (NIV)
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' …'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

…Challenge Number Three!

If there’s a sign up in your life what would it read? If your life was a sponge how full would it be? Is it time to soak up some more or is it time to be wrung out? Wherever you are in your week – flat-out busy, humming along nicely, burdened or energised by your people, may God’s Word refresh you as it has me and continue to encourage and equip you for the journey ahead.

8 Random Things About Me!

2007-07-24T16:27:00.000+12:00

Well, it's going around - I've been tagged! It's all over the blogging world and now it's my turn so here goes for 8 Random Things About Me...

My nickname when driving is RANDOM - a hard-earned name I have to confess. It comes from several near misses while, as any good woman can do, I would change my mind while driving and give what some might call, a faulty degree of indication! Can I say, not one accident has aspired as a result of my random driving skills!
I was born in a hospital that is now a retirement home... the joke amongst friends is that I can return there one day! If only it wasn't in Wellington!!
Once upon a time, I was in the Sea Cadet Corps where I gathered a few sailing and rowing certificates (despite my shocking ability to control a crew of 8 and a fear of deep water... go figure!). What it did earn me was a day trip on the frigate HMNZS Wellington which has now been blown up and sunk to become a reef off the coast of NZ somewhere up North. However, if you want to tie a knot, I'm your gal!!
Back when I was 5, I wore my sisters clogs outside on the footpath, tripped over (after a slight jog to get inside before she found out most likely!) and gouged my knees so badly, I still have the scars to prove it.
Don't ever antagonise me by saying, 'Na na na-na na...' over and over because I'm likely to bite you. Just ask my sister - she has the scar to prove it!
I've become like David Noakes!!... I carry a notebook with me everywhere I go, writing things down just in case I forget! FYI: Major David Noakes, ex Training College Lecturer, always found with notebook in back pocket, equipped to cope with any sudden onslaught of details/facts/reminders!
I hate doing the dishes!
I have two fetishes known to me (goodness only knows how many I haven't acknowledged yet!!). Bags and Plastic Containers...who would have thought eh??!

Well!... Have you heard the news?!

2007-07-02T16:42:00.000+12:00

I have had a FANTASTIC weekend – Shaun and I are engaged!

We have had a pretty whirlwind romance when I look back but there’s one thing that has been key – God has been in it from the start and who better to play matchmaker eh?!!

What more can I say except that, even though I might be a little biased, I think I have the catch of the century!!

Assessment Weekend

2007-06-17T16:16:00.000+12:00

I know Sammy is going to kill me for putting this photo up (centre left in case you were wondering!!) but it was the best one of an unruly bunch!!

Shaun’s assessment weekend was in the middle of June and they all had a great time. They were grilled with interviews all day Saturday and had a couple of written assignments as well as group tasks to try and squeeze in but this photo was taken Sunday morning when all the pressure was off and things were over apart from the morning meeting at Upper Hutt Corps and lunch pretty much!

They had a fantastic time of bonding and, with the results now in (!!), all five made the cut and have been accepted as part of the ‘Prayer Warriors’ session of 2008/9.
Yee haa!! ... is about all I have to say about that!

Seals Galore!

2007-06-04T15:36:00.000+12:00

Queen’s Birthday weekend was a pretty good break. Shaun gave his first sermon ever at Blenheim corps – he did an awesome job preaching on God’s Love for us and how the effect of that should both look and play itself out in our lives – good listening skills eh?!! We caught up with Zane and Karen for dinner as well and then watched the rugby altogether back at home with Conway & Kath as well.

Monday we spent driving to Kaikoura which was just great because there’s a little waterfall that takes about 5 minutes to walk to, just off the side of the road along the coastline where you can stop and have a look at all the seals. At the right time though, apparently between April and June, the baby seals come all the way up this little river to the waterfall and just frolic about – it’s a fantastic sight but one you need a local to let you in on!

We drove there (stopping at that fantastic little café at Kekerengu on the way of course!) especially hoping to see the seals and there must have been close to 20 of them there – it was just great! Shaun, mad as a mad-hatter, stripped off to the knee and sat in the FREEZING cold water for a good 10-15mins patting the water getting the seals to come up and ‘say hello’ (how else to you describe their antics!!).

It was an amazing sight to see – if you touched them they could well do you an injury but if you were patient enough and let them come up to you, they were amazing little playmates for a bit! It was a freezing cold day but just so much fun – a bit hard to get any good photos without a tripod simply because of the lack of light but worth the drive all the same!

After fish’n’chips with Ma and Pa Baker it was back on a ferry for me…

Tristan

2007-05-13T15:24:00.000+12:00

I managed to sneak up to Auckland for Mother’s Day weekend and spend some long overdue time with my new nephew. Talk about the easiest baby in the world to look after! We had a fantastic time together. Shaun came up from Blenheim as well and we spent Saturday looking after Tristan and catching up with people.

That's Lorinda (his mummy!) holding him...she has a fantastic way with children and now we can say... especially her own! He's a superb little boy in every way!

I got to catch up with Rach over the weekend. She and I had coffee in Mt Eden - yay for Auckland cafes!! She’s expecting her first baby in July so it was great to just sit back and watch her with Tristan – she’s a natural if ever I saw one!! Tristan didn’t squawk or fuss the whole time and we were there for a good couple of hours!

After that we headed to town to catch up with Shaun’s cousin Paul – and of course, it wouldn’t be a visit home unless I had my Borders fix along the way! The whole time Tristan just ate and slept, ate and slept – content as anything!

Wes and Lorinda got a whole day/night together in the process and it was so good to be able to do that for them. We ended up at Siobhan and Andrew’s for the evening with Tristan still just sleeping and eating, had dinner then watched episodes of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ (fast becoming a favourite that one!!). Siobhan and Andrew love babies so that bathed Tristan and got him ready for bed – I seriously had the easiest day with a 3 month old that anyone could have had I think!

Bern came round on Sunday for lunch and even though we missed mum who was away in the Bay of Islands for the weekend, we had a good catch up. We were all vying for smiles out of Tristan but Dad beat us all hands down with this photo! I just got the ‘I’m seriously unimpressed with my auntie’ photo as all my smiles were away from the camera….truly!! They were just for me that’s all!

I miss my little nephew as he just seems to be growing up so fast but it won’t be too long till I get to seem again soon hopefully!

Melbourne

2007-04-26T14:49:00.000+12:00

Back in April (I know how slack I’ve been at blogging lately!!), Shaun and I went to Melbourne for a quick holiday. We had an awesome time despite how quick the trip felt. I got to meet his younger brother Kurt and Kurt’s children Scott and Jessica – they were fantastic! We went out on a few day trips together and spent some good time just getting to know each other. They are great kids and Kurt has a great sense of humour which I really enjoyed.

We had a sneak peak in the Salvation Army Trade store but didn’t buy too much – it was in a gorgeous little suburb not too far from the city though… I would have lived there in a heartbeat! The streets were narrow and lined with great big trees over hanging the roads – you can just imagine the colours seeing as we were coming towards the end of summer and heading into Autumn as well! Cute little old houses most of which had been done up… *sigh*…beautiful – and of course a couple of great cafes in a nice little corner block of shops right in the middle of it all – fantastic I say!!

After some pretty hairy negotiating of the map, anyone who’s tried to drive Melbourne will sympathise I’m sure (!!), we stumbled across the Crocs shop (and couldn’t resist a purchase!!) then I introduced Shaun to the big, wide world of IKEA…it left even him speechless! By the end of the tour of the showroom however, he was fading, so after a few quick purchases we made for a Dressmart kind of shopping complex then home. Surprisingly, we didn’t actually spend that much money or buy that much but it was fun just to wonder and window shop – or it was for me at least!!

My trade-off, however, was the tour of the MCG – Shaun was like a boy in a toy store! It was pretty impressive actually, especially to learn that the biggest crowd ever was for a Billy Graham visit and that, not only had our guide been there for it, he had also been a counsellor on the night and was a retired minister! - we had great chats along the halls of the MCG! Another person in our group had also been there on the night… small world!! We went through all the rooms where the commentators sit and every chair was sat in (hence the photo!) – including the plush leather never-will-be-able-to-afford-these-seats chairs as well!

ANZAC Day was pretty special as we went to a classic AFL clash between Essendon and Collingwood at the MCG. Having a crowd of nearly 90,000 stand for 1min silence was pretty cool…despite the cellphone that went off just behind us! Shaun is a long time Essendon supporter but we won’t mention the score on the day…!

Kurt and the kids are coming over again in October so we’re looking forward to some more time there with them. It’ll be good to see them. I met some of the other family members – the infamous Aunty Liz and Uncle Ian, Michael and Donna and their children too. We got stuck in traffic trying to get to their house for dinner so it was a bit of a whirlwind visit but still good to put faces to names.

And that…was Melbourne!

A Woman's Worst Nightmare

2007-04-20T17:49:00.000+12:00

I thought you might all appreciate a giggle at my expense...

I was in the bathroom this afternoon and, after washing my hands I looked up into the mirror to see what disheveled state I might find myself in. On being pleasantly surprised (ie - it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be) I decided to check out the rest of my appearance and, as every woman has to admit to doing, I asked myself the age old question 'does my backside looked big in this' or not... again, I was pleasantly surprised - the trousers were ok as far as I could see!!

You would have thought I left the bathroom on at least a small cloud 9 wouldn't you? Well I almost did but the rather embarrassing side to my story was that as I turned around to check out my 'appearance', my backside - despite how good it may have looked in the trousers - was big enough to start the hand dryer... all on its own!!

Absolutely and utterly.... shattering!! :-)

Easter Camp

2007-04-10T19:38:00.000+12:00

Wow!! ...What an amazing weekend I've had with the youth of the Central Division!!

I have to confess that I started this weekend a little nervous as to exactly how all of this was going to come together - despite hours of planning with my team!! - but God came through and moved sooooo powerfully that I've just been blown away with how great this weekend was!

We started the weekend on Friday night just with a bit of fun, some games and then just a time of chilling out and getting to know one another (and a movie!).

On Saturday, Peter Whaanga, our speaker for the weekend turned up and shared the first half of his testimony and I think more than a few were shocked at his life story. We broke into small groups before lunch and then came back with our questions for Peter afterwards. It was a session that went longer than we expected as the youth kept wanting to know why he's so different now... funnily enough, we weren't letting Peter tell them why - we wanted to hold off the change in his life until Sunday night. Ever dangled the salvation carrot before with a captive audience for a weekend? It's powerful!!

Our theme has basically been how our choices affect our lives and how Christ brings FREEDOM so Saturday night was 'The Love Connection'... all about how quick choices/shallow choices can affect our lives but if we bring God into every choice then life takes on a whole new meaning. A bit of fun in the name of 'love'! ...a few interesting outfits but hey - there's always some who go the extra mile!!

Sunday morning was 'The Journey'... we woke them up at 4am (150 evil looks came my way!!), gave them milo then piled them all onto a bus (and a whole heap of Army vans - looked a hard case convoy down the motorway!!) and took them to Owhiro Bay. There, Sammy and Brent had arranged for a cross to be set up with glowsticks on the hill...we had to walk about 12-15mins to get to it. Liam, Nickee and Brent played and sung The Old Rugged Cross, then Brent spoke about the journey to the cross for Christ and Sammy spoke about the resurrection... wow! Powerful moments! We all grabbed a glowstick and then made the walk back. The weather held of perfectly - rained on the way home!

After letting them sleep and recover (a bit!), the morning session was a reminder that we can not only be prisoners because of how we're living and our choices but that we can also be prisoners in our minds by listening to Satan's lies. FREEDOM comes from Christ and He can bring FREEDOM in so many different ways!

Sunday night was incredible. Peter Whaanga came back and our youth were hungry for answers! He told why He is such a different man today - because of Christ - and then after sharing his conversion, the invitation was open and there weren't too many left in their seats. Decisions for Christ were made (Praise God!!) and a huge number of youth came seeking - seeking FREEDOM, seeking a closer relationship with Christ, repenting and getting things right - a move to live His FREEDOM better!

Monday was encouragement to take the FREEDOM they received from God on Sunday night back into their home settings - basically back into life with them. It was a reminder that this week was probably going to bring more challenges than they may have thought last night but not to forget that they will be victorious if they invite Christ into every decision, every choice and not deny Him or the work He did in their lives over the Easter weekend.

We closed the weekend with a testimony time - a time of telling others what God had done in our lives over the weekend. This was really good to see so many different people sharing. Lastly, our youth leaders stood up with their young people and they shared how God has challenged and grown them.

I LOVE being in this division with this bunch of youth. The leaders I had over the weekend were an amazing support to me and I learnt SO much from just watching them. The youth challenge me and make me want to get closer to God...weird huh?! - especially when thats one of the main things a DY probably wants for their youth! I hope that they feel that challenge as well.

...I'm just blown away by how things went this weekend. I had sooo much fun! I'm so tired I think it'll take another day to recover but it was ALL worth it! My team, you were AWESOME! To Eugene (aka Shaun) thankyou for being there over such an important time for me - you were an AMAZING support in ways that no-one else would have known. Thank you Lord, for showing up and having your way with our young people!

The Gift of Prophecy

2007-04-01T20:06:00.000+12:00

I had a pretty cool night last night.

Something happened that I have never before seen in my life - but so you can really enter into the mood (or as Rob Harley would say - so I can really hang a picture in the gallery of your mind!!) I need to give you a little background info...bear with my ramblings for a second if you can!

I don't know about you but everytime I've been in a church setting where there has been anything vaguely resembling the use of the gift of prophecy, I seemed to have missed out! I was always out of the room helping with something (or in the loo!!) - just not one of the ones who received a prophecy so I never, and I mean NEVER, have had anyone prophesy over me... or even near me for that matter!!

You'll all be pleased to know that I made it through this stage of life unscathed - the wound I thought was there I've discovered is not and I've moved on!!

Last night however, all this changed...

Shaun and I were sitting at the rugby - yes in the 'cake tin' (Hurricanes vs Bulls) - and I say sitting as the game was not exactly at a nail-biting moment until all of a sudden, the Bulls were nudging dangerously close to the touch line (right where we were sitting!). So as we both contort facial expressions that translate to 'please don't let them score' (!!) and we watch the Hurricanes keep the Bulls back, I hear a voice to my right...

Shaun ever so casually leans my way and says (among other things), "...and number 14 is gonna score the next try!" I looked back at him and smiled one of those, 'Yep! Of course! Anything you say!' kind of smiles - you know, the type where you don't want to go anywhere near that 'I'm fully taking a chance but "I know my rugby" ' kind of look!! - and next thing I know, and I seriously mean within 60 seconds, after a scrum inside the 22 (or lineout - can't remember which!), all of a sudden the Hurricanes break free and are running hardout down the field. Before we know it, a pretty slick pass makes its way to Hosea Gear and guess who scores right in the corner? None other than number 14! (and you'll be pleased to know, here ends my attempt at any more rugby jargon!!)

I'm not sure who was more shocked, the Bulls fans or us!! We jumped up and down with the rest of the crowd and then, what actually just happened, hit us!!... and I must say, I sat back down with a bit of a grin!

I may have missed every opportunity of prophecy for the past 30years but after Shaun's efforts last night, I don't think I have any complaints - I have my very own, walking, talking, prophet!

....well that's if one try scoring prediction counts! - I mean really...let's not get into the gift definition war tonight because if it doesn't count, I'm not sure who'd be more disappointed - me or Shaun! Let's let it count eh?....eh?!

Work Schmerk!

2007-03-19T20:05:00.000+12:00

I've had a revelation of late - don't all fall off your chairs on my behalf but I've realised that there is more to life than work!!

It's taken me a while to settle into a routine of just life in general this year - I've either played too hard at times or worked too hard and I just can't seem to find the happy medium!! My first appointment has meant moving house, change of social circle, new job... I say job and yet I still haven't nutted through the whole ministry - 24-7 Officer - job 'thing' yet.

I've always known that I was good at admin but I've come to the realisation that I'm absolutely SHOCKING at time management!! Not a bad revelation for 30years of getting to know myself huh?! When there are what feels like 50billion things on the to-do list, I have a shocking habit of choosing the most fun task in the pile and doing it to an excellent standard. If the job looks tricky or I just don't really want to do it right now, then I don't - until the stress levels build to ridiculous levels and I finally realise I need to do something about it all.

Well, this weekend I had two whole days off - in preparation of the Easter Camp wind up! I left my laptop behind and every work document I had brought home with me just-in-case I wanted to do a little catching up (when will I learn!!). Over these two days, with a little throwing of ideas around and sounding off with Shaun, Marcus and Jenny, I've managed to come back to my appointment today with a fresh outlook on things.

I need to spend time on the not-so-nice jobs because once you're into them, they really don't take that long and they're really not so bad!
I need to work smarter and not harder and manage my hours of work a little better.
I need to remember I am one person and not two!
I need to work at getting balance back into life.

Between some pretty special people who have provided some very sound advice, and Hudson's playdough hamburgers and photo-savvy moments, I think I'm ready to face life again!

PS - check out the photo blog for the first of the brag files... my nephew is pretty cute!

Aunty Karen!!

2007-02-25T23:13:00.000+13:00

Where the heck has February gone??? I'm sooo tired I should be heading to bed but this just couldn't wait...

I'M AN AUNTY!!!

Tristan Oliver Frank, first grandson of the Frank's (nice work LJ!), first grandchild of the Hill whanau, arrived at 8.30am this morning weighing in at 8lbs. As only my sister could describe: "...eye-wateringly good eh?!"

I'll stop promising anything... blogs or photos but I know that one will end up here as soon as mum sends it as I just won't be able to help bragging. All I know from home is that he doesn't look overbaked (apparently some babies do - he was 2 weeks overdue you see!), he has a black head of hair and gorgeous skin! Ah...my family crack me up!!

Poppa and Gran are both as excited as each other and this Aunty can't wait for a trip to Auckland - hopefully sometime soon!

Ciao!
K.

Newsy

2007-02-02T17:12:00.000+13:00

Just when you thought I'd disappeared completely... I'm back!!

I'm relaxed, well-rested and currently a very happy lass... and here's the photo to prove it!!

To all my faithful followers, my apologies it has been so long but life has just happened around me for the last - almost 2 months!! Where has January gone?!

So, the update since December? Well, life is amazingly busy but great. I had an awesome holiday down south pretty much going from seafood meal to seafood meal with Shaun and his family as they encouraged this maori girl to rediscover her Ngai Tahu roots! Since December I've tried fresh crayfish (several times... yum!), paua fritters, prawns, kina, mussel fritters and scallops wrapped in bacon and fried in garlic butter (a bit of a favourite that one!). About half way through my holiday, my "system" (!!) felt the effects of my seafood binge and I had to revert to european solids for a few days but was back on the mussels after a trip to the Nelson markets one weekend!

I haven't had a swim in the ocean this season but I did get to snorkel (kind of!) when I went for a swim at Pelorus on the way back from Nelson. It was freezing but great fun!

I've had some interesting moments in my new job... some blond moments and some great laughs already. I've learnt how to get out of the carpark after hours (I may have had to ring the previous DY but I got out eventually!!), I've had my desk 'done over' by a few eager youth leaders (who shall remain nameless!) - and I actually think I got off quite lightly but don't tell them that!! ...and I've discovered yet again, that no matter how much I do there's still more to be done!

I've heard from my session mates... I think we all want to poke out our tongues at the Newmans and the weather they are enjoying (tough life in that air-conditioned office isn't it Doug?!). My home corps (Kilbirnie) is great - I'm looking forward to journeying the next little while with them and other than the occasional bout of windburn (oh that it would be sunburn!!) I'm readjusting to all that Wellington has to offer!!

I've found my Saturday morning cafe down in the heart of Kilbirnie, I have a few Saturday trips I want to go on to discover the different communities at my feet and I'm getting used to life as a fully-fledged, real-life officer! I'm challenged by the youth in this division - they are an awesome bunch who have a lot to offer and who are screaming both with talents and with their voices pretty much saying "use us Lord!!" - I think more exciting times are ahead! They certainly aren't lacking in ideas or passion - not a bad place to start huh?!

I'll put a few photos up from the last couple of months on the photo blog shortly. Parachute was a great weekend - my favourites were definitely Shawn McDonald (if you haven't got his albums BUY THEM!!), Third Day and Dave Dobbyn (even though I piked because of the rain!!).

Hope to be able to blog photos of my first niece or nephew next time! *the Kaz* will have to take a back seat to Aunty Karen until I've exhausted it!! :-)

Commissioning

2006-12-13T08:36:00.000+13:00

What an amazing weekend! I'm so sorry I haven't shared it all with you so much sooner but life just didn't stop after commissioning!... just for the record though, I did actually start writing this on the 13th of December! Since it's now the 23rd (!!), let me re-cap the highlights and share a few photos.

Commissioning weekend really starts on the Thursday before, at College, with Covenant Day. It's an in-house day with the officer staff of the college, the TCs, officers of the cabinet and DCs. The day itself is quite moving by the time you get to the second service of the day (after lunch). The Territorial Commander and Training Principal knelt in front of the mercy seat at a small table facing our session - we were all sitting in a semi-circle facing the platform. As we felt led (either as couples or individually) we came and knelt opposite them and signed our Officer's Covenant:

‘Called by God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name, I dedicate myself to service as an officer of The Salvation Army.

I will seek to love and serve him supremely all my days, to live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of my life, to maintain the doctrines and principles of The Salvation Army, and, by God's grace, to be all that he has called me to be.

Done in the strength of my Saviour, and in the presence of ….’

I'm sure you can imagine the significance of the moment...

Friday was the academic graduation where we received our Diploma of Biblical Studies and Certificate of Officer Training. A fun night this one - a short service with a couple of testimonies, a bit of pomp and circumstance, the cutting of the cake and ultimately another good opportunity to offer all our achievements back to God for His use.

Saturday was our commissioning service. After reciting the doctrines of The Salvation Army (by heart!), we were accepted and officially commissioned by the TC as he gave us back our covenant. Then we all walked off stage to change into our new uniforms (cadets epaulettes are black with red stripes - officers are red with captains having 2 stars). When we marched back in, I was announced as.... (you've been waiting two whole years for this little bit of alliteration to truly come into its own).... Captain Karen! The temptation to salute like superman instead of the Army way was tempting to say the least!!

My blog is now official! I'm not sure I would have made the cut if anyone was listening too closely to our doctrines though, as according to me:

We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ, the divine and human natures are united so that He is truly and properly man and truly and properly... man!!

Well it's not like I could swap the second one to God just because I got it round the wrong way now could I?!!

Sunday was another great day of celebration. The spotlight gets turned over to the second year cadets as they officially received their Out-Training Placements and a number of officers also received recognition in the form of a Long Service Order (30, 35 and 40 years no less!!). An interesting moment for me in more than a few ways was in putting this meeting together (with Sue), as I became aware that if my parents had stayed in the work, they would have been receiving their Long Service Order for 30 years the same weekend I would have been commissioned... and just to prove it I couldn't resist this photo opportunity - and yes those glasses are legit!!...

...and this is really only a snapshot of the weekend! There's lots more that went on in between so check out the photo blog for some more - I'll try and decide which ones out of the hundreds should make the cut!

To all those who managed to make it down (or up!) for the weekend, you've walked a pretty special part of the journey with me. Thank you - for your prayers, for your support and for making it such an awesome weekend. This just isn't something you forget... thanks for being part of the memory.

Accountability

2006-12-05T18:19:00.000+13:00

Ah... interesting times today!

I know that we usually seek accountability on the big things like 'time with God' and all those little hang-ups that we want to get rid of but my request today is of a rather fickle nature in comparison!

On cleaning the inside of my car for the first time since I purchased it (sadly, I have to admit that that was back around Easter this year!!... ), I found an illegal alien.

After jumping back even though it was me equipped with the vacuum cleaner (!!), I went through the usual self-talk, you know:

"Calm down! - Is it alive or dead? - Are you sure it's alive or dead? - Positive? - Suck it up the vacuum cleaner regardless!"

Then I had another mini-meltdown as I realised it had probably been squashed beneath the shoe of my left foot - why the meltdown? That is just way to close to crawling up my leg!!!

I don't know what it is with crickets (I had to do a google search to actually identify what it was!!) but this is the second time I've found one and in a totally different vehicle! Spiders, yes - even expected, but crickets??! Even though this one was rather close to crawling up my leg I have to say it wasn't as big a shock as the last one which was very much alive and quite happy crawling across the top of my steering wheel while I was driving home one night... not overly conducive to good driving!

Well, in case you're still wondering, I'm seeking accountability to actually clean my car a little more often - not a bad place to start if I want to eliminate the crickets don't you think?!

As far as today goes, I'm just grateful that this little sucker was already dead!

Powhiri Magic

2006-12-04T18:46:00.000+13:00

Ah... things we do!!

I had a rather intersting day today - in fact, I would have to say it's probably one of the highlights of the year.

The General and Commissioner Clifton arrived today and I got the opportunity to be part of the tangata whenua with the Maori Ministries Group, to welcome them at the powhiri. Can't say I've ever greeted our international leaders or the cabinet with a hongi before but there's a first time for everything!!

The highlight for me though almost goes beyond words. I don't remember when exactly, but mum told me that I was Maori when I was pretty young. Since then, I've always loved to be part of culture groups and I remember being involved at both primary and intermediate school. Other than a couple of years in a kapahaka group at a school I taught at back around 2000/2001 and a few hui weekends with other Auckland based Maori from Ngai Tahu, I haven't done a whole lot towards rediscovering and perhaps even owning something that seems so naturally a part of me.

Until today that was... it felt like a homecoming. I love the idea of families and I love traditions and Maori culture is full of both! Thank you Joe and Nan for welcoming me - not just into the group but home I think... and for becoming so much like family in such a short space of time. Thanks to all who were a part of the day - I had an awesome time.

I know its rather tragic but all I have floating round in my head now are the words to Dave Dobbyn's song Welcome Home... ah, long may it last!! I'll post some photos as soon as I can lay my hands on some.

Saturday Night

2006-11-26T18:47:00.000+13:00

For the few Lone Star novices I'm sure there will be amongst us on Saturday night, definitely check out the menu to save the feeling of being simply... over-whelmed by it all! Simply click on the picture and you'll be there!

It's just around the corner from Wellington City Corps (definitely within walking distance so no having to move vehicles around the city - yee haa!).

See you all real soon...
K.

The Speed of LIfe

2006-11-21T16:22:00.000+13:00

I feel that life is going about this speed... you know, you check your watch and wonder where on earth the day has gone!

The plan was for life to slow down a little, especially after all the deadline pressures of the last few weeks but I feel like it's winding up instead!... I'm not sure why I'm so surprised as when I stop and think about it, it makes perfect sense for things to wind up at this time of the year not wind down - not yet anyway!

There's preparations for family coming for commissioning, preparation for commissioning itself, meetings and studies to do with our various roles for next year, a pretty full timetable both before and after commissioning and somewhere in the midst of it all some cleaning and packing has to take place!

Funny thing is, I like a busy life! I wonder if my problem today is that I've just gotten used to a different speed of life over the last two years...

Then there's a part of me which sends the constant reminder to keep things in perspective - stay alert, stay organised, be prepared for changes (they will come!!) and keep ahead of the game until all that needs to be done is done!

And then there is yet another part of me that simply calls me home to relax (everything will get done eventually!) and take up the novel that was started late last week instead...

Hmmmm... acknowledge and work with the stress? ...write myself yet another timetable and allocate the hours left in the day (including this evening)? ...or go home and finish my book?

... ...Yeah - tough choice that one!

People Watching People

2006-11-17T12:35:00.000+13:00

I had two whole hours of people watching this morning on Lambton Quay in the city - it was great!

Rent-a-crowd (aka - the cadets!) had to collect for Street Day today so, bright eyed and somewhat bushy-tailed, we drove out the gates at around 6.15am. From 7-9am, I watched people avoid any eye contact with me (I think they were the most fun of all!), I watched others run in their trackies and singlets (mad people! - it was blowing a gale through town), I saw so many females who wobbled along in awkward shoes - no doubt saying to themselves the whole time, "Fashion is pain! Fashion is pain!" I had a few who tried to bowl me over, despite the fact that I was pretty close to a shop wall(!!), I watched several bowl each other over as they tried to juggle bags, phones, newspapers and breakfast and I smelt some rather nice smells on some and some rather nasty ones on others!

Not sure why I bothered to even run a comb through my hair this morning as I was barely recognisable by the end of it all but I had pretty good contact with people. I read every ad, on every bus... twice! I nearly counted the windows in the high rise building opposite me, but most of all I just enjoyed not having to worry about work (the last assignment is about to go clunk into that box in about 5 minutes! - yee haa!).

If you need some time out, grab a coffee and sit in a cafe window (standing outside on Lambton Quay does not come highly recommended by me!) and just 'people watch'... you'll be amazed at what you'll see... everyone and everything.

Reminds me of that Jack Johnson song...

the Kaz

2006-11-13T12:27:00.000+13:00

I think it's official!

Last night I was interviewed by the current DY at the last Firezone youth meeting for the year. The current DY, in his five year term, has come to be know as 'the Baz' - a name I think he wears well!!... literally! (Baz currently sports a number...3?... all over with the letters BAZ spray-painted on the back of his head)

It wasn't until I turned around last night and caught a glimpse of the screen behind us that I had to catch myself... I had become Barry's successor in more ways than one! The screen said it all! On the right above Baz's head was written 'the Baz' and, you've guessed it, above my head was written.. 'the Kaz'!

I would love to say I actually have a choice in this matter but, judging by the rather sympathetic on the spot voting last night, I feel I am outnumbered 100 to 1!! That, and word has just spread too quickly... I've already been blogged elsewhere as 'the Kaz'!

I'm beginning to think there just simply isn't any hope! - all that appears to remain is simply to live up to the name and who knows what that may mean!!

P.S. - shaving or spray painting my head is simply not an option....!

HOTGN Commissioning

2006-11-09T18:03:00.000+13:00

This will just save me sending out zillions of emails...

To view it at normal size, click once on the photo then once it has appeared again, hover your mouse over the picture and a little 'expand to normal size' icon should appear in the bottom right corner of the picture - click that and you'll be able to read all the details... or just save it and look at it your own way!!

Ciao!
K.

Real Beauty

2006-11-07T11:20:00.000+13:00

This was just too good not to share... thanks Lucy!

Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.
You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is so precious to God.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT)

Snail-mail, Scriptures & Orchids

2006-11-06T15:23:00.000+13:00

I know, I know - I should be studying but here's just a few quick thoughts from my day so far...

I got a letter from my Granny today. (I love getting mail that doesn't require a cheque in return!) She wrote and told me about reading issues of the War Cry, how her orchids were doing (my grandparents always had beautiful flowers in their garden) and scriptures she'd be reading of late that she thought I would appreciate. I just had to share...

...it's nice to know that the Lord knows the way that we take,
like the old chorus says:
Follow, I will follow thee, my Lord
Follow every passing day
My tomorrows are all know to thee,
Thou wilt lead me all the way...

...the Holy Spirit is intent on changing us more and more into the likeness of Christ, with God as the Potter shaping us into the exact likeness that He wants us to be.
Do you like this Bible verse?
'As He is, so are we in this world...'

...it will soon be Christmas once more. A couple of my orchid plants have come into flower - one is pink and the other is yellow and they look very nice. Must finish off for now...
Love and prayers from Granny

I just loved it! You really can't beat a letter from home can you? And it's kind of precious don't you think...

Study Schmudy...

2006-11-04T12:52:00.000+13:00

I wish that it really was like this... just me with one book, a nice summer's day, outside by the water, taking it all in one fact at a time, remembering those facts at the end of the day and just gently getting it all down on paper in the form of an essay that would pass even the strictest marking because it simply covers the criteria without any problems.

That however, is not quite how it is!! I currently sit surrounded by piles of books - granted some are design magazines... oh how I would kill for an IKEA store in liitle 'ol Aotearoa!!... but the grappling is happening I'm afraid!

From the sacraments... oh to be able to communicate so clearly like some of the authors do!!... to NZ Church History *snore!*... to Pastoral Care and Life's Crises... *double snore I'm afraid!*... and the list goes on!

Such is life I'm afraid! I'm aware I've been a little 'hard to track down' to say the least (!!) so I'd thought I'd let you know that life is on hold for about 2 weeks until the last exam is over and the last assignment clunks into the assignment box. Tis here I sit and here I shall stay 'til all is done!

God Bless my sister (abundantly!) for ringing twice this morning at 7.30am - she's knows I'm just too lazy to get out of bed to get the phone yet if she keeps on ringing I inevitably will just because I know it's her and I'll have to have a blimmin' good excuse if I don't!! (Mental note to you dear reader: Do not start ringing then - my morning voice is a little nasty on the untrained ear!!) Indeed I have actually made it to the library for yet another day and 'work! work! work!' I shall... just as soon as I finish blogging!

So fear not! I am alive and well and it shall not be long until life as I have known it to be, can resume! Until then, stay out of others vege gardens! Au revoir mes amies!

A Day of Bliss

2006-10-24T07:34:00.000+13:00

Yesterday, Wellington turned on the charm... grey, cold and wet was the order of the day - ALL day - and yet, when I went out for dinner last night I heard someone say:

"Wasn't it a great day today?..."

I sat up in my chair thinking to myself:

"Are you nuts?!! No blue sky - no sun - no warmth -
winter all over again!!"

All the while, though, something was niggling in the back of my mind about how strangely pleasant the day had been. Then the puzzle was made complete as the conversation continued:

"... No wind! Just lovely!"

...only from the mouths of TRUE Wellingtonians!

...Ahem!

2006-10-19T10:00:00.000+13:00

Can you believe it's been 7 weeks already?!

Can you believe 2 years have flown by?!

Well, they have - so without further delay,

my first appointment is...

Divisional Youth and Candidates Secretary

Central Division

...and my thoughts so far on the appointment...

roll on Kaivata! (Fiji - January 2007)

...but seriously - the feelings range from excitement to being simply overwhelmed at times - not to mention the fact that I just want to get started!

At New Zeal over the weekend we got the opportunity to go and grab a verse from the basket (the baskets had hundreds of verses in them) with the prayer that it would be a word from God, just for where you were at. Here was mine:

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:16 (NIV)

I thought that was pretty special. Not much more to add really!

That's Gross

2006-10-18T07:46:00.000+13:00

I can handle being up at 7am to clean...
I can handle having to clean the toilets...

What I can't handle is when cleaning the toilet bowl, water splashes into my face... Needless to say, I have discovered another one of those times in life when it's best to keep one's mouth closed!

Random

2006-10-11T23:23:00.000+13:00

For those of you who have know me for a long time, you'll know that 'Random' was a nickname from way back (referring to my driving in case your wondering!) but yesterday, there truly was a random event in the Hutt...

...it snowed!

I kid you not! I got caught outside in it as I ran from the car to the safety of Countdown! How cool is that?!

There has to be some perk to living in the windy capital now doesn't there!

Yee haa!

2006-10-11T13:26:00.000+13:00

A bit of fun for the afternoon thanks to Lucy's

brother-in-law... cheers!

If you're a little bored, like I was this avo, try it for yourself.

Freedom

2006-10-07T17:33:00.000+13:00

Ever had one of those weeks where you know that things are progressing, life is going on, on the whole things are good but you just can't help but feel like you've been wading through a swamp? You know, everything's all wet and clammy, thigh-high squirmy mud stretches between you and the bank and there's just that general feeling of moving forward but with weights around your ankles?

Well that's me this week until finally something hit me. "Shake off the sin that so easily entangles..." (my paraphrase of part of Heb 12:1!!) that was the first revelation and the second has been weighing on my mind for some time. In one of our classes here at college, a lecturer has kind of been hounding the point that the most common cause of people's problems along their journey, results from a lack of thorough repentance when they first come to Christ. Food for thought isn't it? It has challenged me on repentance in general.

It got me thinking anyway and I remembered several times in my life, kind of like spiritual markers I suppose you would say, where the Holy Spirit revealed to me that I had to repent... again! I've been working my way through the Experiencing God bible study as well and when the author was waiting to hear from God on something, if there was a time of silence, he would pull out his 'sin checklist' and pray through it.

How often can we just get into the pattern of doing life without actually taking time to carry out a 'sin checklist' regularly? It can sound a strange thing to do but all it does is jog your memory of what has been happening in your life since you last pulled it out and it's amazing what comes to mind! I know it should be part of our devotional life as well, but for me, if I was being honest, it is something that can too easily be missed out, especially when time runs short and work pressures mount.

In saying all of this, I picked up an amazing resource I used at one of those landmark moments of mine and on flicking through, I've decided to work through it again. Ever come across 'The Steps to Freedom in Christ' by Neil Anderson? Awesome. Very thorough and what a tool to put into a disciple's hands at the right moment...

Anyway, all that to say that I've had a great end to my week. I'm feeling like I've reached the other side of the swamp - learnt another lesson and am almost ready to face another week of it all!

Miss Hills

2006-09-15T07:54:00.000+12:00

Happy blogday to me! - It's my 100th post... just happened to see my total when I logged in this morning!

I must share that at around 11pm last night, I breathed a huge and rather weary sigh - said to myself, "I need help!!" and then turned out the light... with a small smile on my face!

My entire teaching career, I devoted hours to correcting that innate desire in some children to just have to call me Miss Hills. "I'm one hill not a mountain!" became my cry!

These last few weeks have been 'rather busy' in terms of assessment and last night, as the last assignment was having it's cover page paper-clipped (not stapled!!) to the front, I realised that in my slightly weary state, I was handing in an assignment from none other than...

Karen Hills!

...I do believe I have just become a mountain!

Perspective

2006-09-12T14:56:00.000+12:00

Scroll down slowly as there are some photos that may
disturb you on this one...

I'll never forget a sermon series that Malcolm did a few years back. It was on Jonah and the main thing that I took away from it was to get perspective in my circumstances, particularly when things are getting me down, you know - are you really in the belly of a whale or are you just thinking that it's that bad?!!

Well, I'm fine - a little worn out, but fine.

I'm feeling like I'm crawling towards the end of the year instead of running this race, but I'm fine.

I'm wishing I had a few of the finer things in life occasionally, but I really want for nothing... I'm fine.

I'm feeling a little sorry for myself at times, but... I'm fine.

Today, I received some rather disturbing photos that have certainly given me 'perspective' once again.

These are hard to look at but my thoughts in sharing them are so that perhaps what God has used to challenge me today, He may also use to speak to you in some way.

For me, these photos give me a lot more perspective on my circumstances. I am way more than just fine - I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, running water never more than a quick jog away and food in my stomach. Everything within me now screams: "Get a grip!" ...my occasional need to wallow has definitely had some perspective added to it.

These photos make me give a little more thought and prayer to those whose circumstances in life are completely and utterly beyond anything I could ever care to imagine... and I'm encouraged to get back up and get into this race again - a lot more thankful than before and with a renewed zeal. These problems may seem a world away but there are so many little things I can do - least of all, pray.

These may break your heart as they did mine - photos of children always do - but if it makes you do nothing more than pray for people in these circumstances, then that's something... it's all quite sobering but I hope that at the same time, it gives you a little more perspective as you go through the rest of your week and that you're even more thankful than usual...

... for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
Matt 19:14

It's confidential?... Really?

2006-09-08T18:31:00.000+12:00

Confidential: entrusted with secrets
Oxford Dictionary

You know, ever since I was a little girl I have never been able to keep a secret. I was always the first to play with the presents under the tree at Christmas - I'd squeeze them, smell them, peek through any bit of the paper that would lift (without ripping of course!) and I was the QUEEN of placing them back so that no-one would know... or so I thought anyway!

I was told secrets less and less as I grew up (especially birthday presents or surprises) as I just couldn't do it! Before I knew it, often at the most inopportune moment, I would spill the beans - 9 times out of 10 quite unintentionally!

And what secret am I entrusted with now you ask? ...Try knowing my appointment for 2007!

And what's the biggest problem this poses - beyond the obvious effort at being all grown-up and over my childhood inability to keep confidentiality?! ...Try the fact that I can't share it with ANYONE until the 19th of October!

OCTOBER!! Keep a secret until OCTOBER?! It's torture - absolute and utter torture!

My only consolation is that my sessionmates are in exactly the same predicament. I'd love to say that every time the topic comes up (as it inevitably does!) that we just smile a cheeky smile and change the topic... but the reality would have to be more like this...!

And trust me when I say that underneath that tape (or well-placed spouse's hand!) the conversation is carrying on ten-to-the-dozen!!

The eyes are flashing... the mouth is smiling... and yet, we know nothing of each other's appointments! (bar insignificant details that could leave any one of us church planting in Eketahuna!)

Pray for us poor souls as the temptation is high... I think the temptation for a sweepstakes could be even higher!!

I don't think there's one of us who hasn't gone to bed without the dispo in hand yet, trying madly to figure out someone elses appointment! We're a sad bunch but this little bit of excitement will keep us going for a while!!

Make Poverty History

2006-09-01T07:49:00.000+12:00

I must confess, I've been looking at the banner on Lucy's blog since she put it up and I've been meaning to click the link and follow the trail but have just procrastinated over that very thing for AGES!

Well, I finally got there the other day, hence the banner on my blog now. It's worth a look and kind of gives a new spin on things as you go through your day. I hope it encourages you and inspires you to think of the little things that you could do differently to help with the bigger changes that need to happen...

Church For Men

2006-08-30T19:56:00.000+12:00

I've come up to the main building to check out a website (28KB from our units is just unbearable when jetstream is a hop-skip-&-a-jump away!!) and I can't help myself... here I am!

I'm feeling a little miserable this evening - my throat feels the size of a golf ball and swallowing is as nasty as running it down a sandpaper slide! I've decided to do my duty tonight (you could eat off the toilet floors here they're so clean!) before heading home for an early night.

You'll all be pleased to know I have not only come full circle with Mr Brengle (Samuel Logan that is!) but sanctification has been well and truly hashed out in our theology class so as soon as I have head space to get it all down legibly, it shall appear here! Currently, there's yet another sermon on the boil for assessment next week and my ThinkC assignment is to convince 4 ex-Jehovah's Witnesses of the work of the Holy Spirit and that he is a person not a 'thing'... anyone care to sub? - you know, my life for yours temporarily?!

So why the title Church for Men you ask? Well I've just finished watching the dvd 'Why Men Hate Going to Church' and there are some serious truths in there! Pretty helpful too considering I'm a women in ministry where men are very rarely catered for let alone catered for well. Church for Men is the website to go with the book/dvd/the whole idea basically so I'm looking forward to some tips on relevant men's ministry (seeing as I'm not one, I think I can safely say I need all the help I can get!!) so, I'm off to surf...

SOS

2006-08-25T13:07:00.000+12:00

...as I race through my week end and weekend (!!) and assessments roll over me, the question is simply - to blog or not to blog? But I can't help myself!

The 4 day Sole Officer Symposium was great! I don't think I've laughed so hard with the girls... I mean fellow captains, cadets and colleagues (!!)... in ages. In general, it was a much needed break from life at the moment.

The film is going in for developing as soon as the weekend is over and Crin has a good 100 photos to burn off onto disc for us all so I'll put a 'selection' online as soon as I get them! Rest assured, when Corryn has the camera, a shot of someone's nostrils is bound to appear!

... I digress! *surprise surprise!* There were, of course, a few cringe moments over the time together (but there always are when a specific group of people come together I think!) but our speaker - Lt. Col. Geanette Seymour, Chief Secretary, Australia Eastern Territory (how's that for a job title!!) - was... indescrible! She cut straight to the core yet gently and with such a good sense of humour along the way. She was motivational, inspirational and just plain honest about life as a sole officer.

In hindsight at the testimony time at the end, more than a few confessed to not wanting to actually be at the symposium to begin with (the amount of 'stick' a sole officer gets in attending a symposium goes beyond words at times - albeit with the best of intentions!) yet we found safe friendships in our midst, a safe place to vent our frustrations as well as tools to deal with them, and were also equipped as to how we could continue on our journey to wholeness... deep eh?! And who would have thought all this would come from just 4 short days together?

My highlight would have to be the recreation time... generally I hate playstation games but SingStar 80s it the best and the dance mat left more than a few of us, simply without words! (generally due to the fact that we were gasping for air after trying to keep up with the dance moves on-screen!)

Now I bet you really can't wait to see the photos!

At one point we had a soapbox time to share. I didn't share but felt that I would write this instead:

single but not alone
intricately woven yet completely understood
"Thankyou for making me so wonderfully complex..."
from Psalm 139 (NLT)

Food For Thought

2006-08-15T17:25:00.000+12:00

This came out of a class we had today. Definitely food for thought...

The study and practice of mission - how to reach out to a world whose values and viewpoints are very different from those of the Bible - is a vital skill. To remain pastors of the faithful is not enough; to become pioneers, boldly leading the people where the church has never gone before, is essential.
Chick Yuill - Leadership on the Axis of Change

...your thoughts?

The birds are back in town!

2006-08-11T16:38:00.000+12:00

Ah! How I've missed them and I had no idea how much!

Duties are rough for most of us - I base that purely on how my session mates actually look at 7am! - but the whole process is so much more bearable when I walk out my front door to an absolute cacophony of bird calls - it's just great!

And when I come home, there's always a Tui still hanging around. Almost makes me want to live in the bush... almost!

Male Pride

2006-08-01T13:55:00.000+12:00

I must say, my writing inspiration is not exactly coming from my own life at the moment. All I can really say is, if you share with me... beware! The narrator of this event will, I fear, have to remain nameless in order to protect what little male pride he has sinced managed to scrape together!

Who knows how long ago it was that this event occurred - all we do know is that it is still rather fresh in this man's mind!... I digress...

With the secret want of being in 'peak physical fitness' in the back of everyone's minds, no-one enjoys a challenge more than a man, particularly when the challenge comes from a woman!

On this particular occasion, a male cadet went out for a walk (up the big hill to the cemetery) and as he stopped (ever so briefly!) to tie his shoelace, he was passed by a woman on her bicycle. The male in question had a bit of a snicker to himself as she was not going very fast and thought he would pass her at a slow jog - just to be infront! Without another thought, he jogged passed.

Oh how little thought we give to consequences! What this male had not factored into the equation was the sheer determination and ultimately peak physical condition of the female cyclist - would she ever give up? No sirree! She sat, apparently quite contentedly, right on the tail of our slow jogger.

And now we reach the real dilemma for our jogger - having passed the slow-going female cyclist and having reached as far as he intended to walk (not run!), he rather desperately wanted to stop and head for home. But he couldn't just stop could he(?!!) - No! Because then she would pass him and win! Any takers on picking the ending to my story??... hmmm?

Let me share some more - our jogger did not (would not!) give up and with a cyclist in tow, jogged all the way to the top of the hill so as to concede at least a win to the top of the mountain! I'm not sure how long our jogger maintained his composure (I'm guessing at least until our cyclist was out of view!) but it was not long before he collapsed (momentarily) in an exhausted heap of .... you guessed it - male pride!

Picture it - unable to stand, barely able to breathe yet a fist ever so slightly raised in the air as the barely audible wheeze is uttered:

"....I...win...."

"Cadet, step away from the folder!"

2006-07-28T17:49:00.000+12:00

This just could not escape blogging!...

You may (or may not) be aware that the army 'big wigs' are currently at College undergoing discussion about our territory and, of course, the appointments as we're only a wee way out from the Big Shuffle (or the bit of paper that will cause the Big Shuffle anyway!).

Well, aside from the obvious temptation to stick a glass to the wall of the CLD boardroom (all attempts to wait on the cabinet/DCs for coffee, hot water, food etc. were denied!! - we only wanted to serve...!), I'm sad to say we have all pretty much been kept away from the action - no surprises there! All that is, except one of my sessionmates who found himself moving tables in the boardroom with the TP. This in itself is not exactly cause for celebration, it was the item that almost came into his possession that was!

As they moved furniture, my sessionmate found himself just arms length away from a folder entitled:

Territorial Appointments ...Blah Blah Blah
...(of course the 'Territorial Appointments' bit is all he remembers of the title!)

You can imagine how he froze (just for a split second!) as thoughts of opening the folder whizzed through his mind (along with thoughts of security cameras, candid camera episodes and of course, the inevitable trip to the mercy seat for weighing up all possiblities in the first place!!). Ah! The temptation - could it be Mangatinoka? Corps plant Eketahuna or... Gisborne perhaps?! But alas, this cadet resisted and to this day, will never know the contents of the folder!

Hooray! - I can hear you all cheer. We too, were pleased that after 18months of boot camp, our sessionmate had honesty all sorted. It was only in closing that he relayed the contributing factor of a certain Personnel Secretary appearing at his elbow shortly after eyeing the precious bounty which leaves me to conclude...

Be sure Lt Col Arnold will read your mind and keep you from all temptation when around any documentation pertaining to your future!

...all things considered, I still can't help imagining the tug-of-war between the Colonel and a burly 2nd yr cadet over a folder! - oh to be a fly on the CLD boardroom wall!!

Snapshots

2006-07-25T19:46:00.000+12:00

I'm back in photo-blogging action! Some 'kodak moments' are up on the photoblog...enjoy!

Seeing the mountian in such splendour almost made the freezing cold moments down here worth it ... almost!

Where Oh Where

2006-07-24T19:30:00.000+12:00

Where did the holidays go?! Sometime last week, it almost felt like I'd never left! Mind you, I like being at home amongst all my bits & pieces and you just can’t beat your own bed and your own pillow - although Nig & Christine’s spare bed came a pretty close second I must admit!

I had a great time away. The drive up was just magnificent. The mountain turned on quite a show along the Desert Rd – to the point where people were stopping and having snow fights, taking photos and just standing in awe of it… it was amazing! Not a cloud in the sky and snow EVERYWHERE. I just had to stop, at least three times I think (!!), to take photos. If only I had wiped the sea spray off the lens since my last adventure – my blue sky came out rather speckled but hey, a few made it through but you'll have to check out the photo blog sometime soon as blogger just won't attach any of my photos at present!

I couldn’t leave Auckland without capturing some more of it and, of course, it just wouldn’t be me if the photos weren’t almost all near water yet again!! Shannon and I headed out to Mission Bay on another scorcher of a day (can I say being in Auckland was like being in the tropics after winter in the Hutt!!) and we stopped a couple of times for some photos. Rangitoto Island was awesome and then the sun poking through the clouds made for an occasional kodak moment if you were quick enough!

It was so good to be able to drive around without a map book for two whole weeks, to go to so many of my old haunts, to soak in the familiarity of it all and to just relax with people that know me almost better than I know myself!! The Factory crowd – you are the best and you have awesome, wise, spirit-filled leaders… how lucky you are! I can’t wait to see you all again at New Zeal.

I’m still on the Brengle wagon at the moment in case you’re wondering! I’m currently hip deep in Helps to Holiness and Sanctified Sanity… mouth wateringly good – the best food you’ll have had in a long time I assure you! – and both highly recommended! So many things are falling into place for me I hardly know where to start so I’ll save it for another day – its in the ‘Monica’s Untidy Closet’ compartment of my brain at present awaiting a good deal of sifting and ordering!

Well, I’m avoiding my theology reading for tomorrow ...again (theology, schmeology!!) – any of you Bridge Builders (or wanna-be cadets – we know you’re out there!) want a[nother] shot at ‘Thinking Biblically C’??... no? Alas, I shall brave it myself… tomorrow morning… maybe!

Brengle on Holiness

2006-06-23T12:10:00.000+12:00

I must admit... my head is a bit of a muddle today! I'm keeping a head cold and sore throat at bay - just! - and I'm wading my way through a tough sermon and a few assignments.

I've got everything from definitions of missiology, the ins-and-outs of Liberation Theology, Christian Presence, Dialogue, Social Action and Evangelism ever present in my consciousness and to top it all off, I'm reading Samuel Logan Brengle's Helps to Holiness... mind blowing! I'm loving it.

I know that he would want nothing but to have the glory given back to God regarding how many he has helped on the journey but I'm just so stoked that he listened to God on these matters of the heart concerning holiness and got it all down on paper!

I also have to admit (it must be a day for confessions!) that my pastor and mentor put this book in my hand nearly five years ago and I shelved it somewhere - I can't even remember if I ever returned it or not! The copy I have in my hot little hands at present went for 50c at the last library sale - it would have to be my bargain of the year!

Some of what I'm reading is confirmation of what I've discovered on my journey but I'd be lying if I didn't say that he takes the truth and goes that step further with it.

I've been challenged as to whether my heart is truly consecrated and whether or not my faith has kept me from experiencing a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit. Hard to admit after being on this road for so long but it's not about pride, it's about going hard after God. There's a 'citadel wall', as Brengle describes, that I am scaling for the last time - I claim with boldness and in faith that "I am the Lord's! I am the Lord's!"

There'll be more on this to come I can assure you!

The Magic Flute

2006-06-21T15:50:00.000+12:00

Just last week I was having a bit of a lament over the fact that I wouldn't be able to get to the opera this season but God is just sooooo good! Saturday morning, Pete rung and he just happened to be trying to give away 2 tickets to the opera that night. I was almost dumbstruck - not something that happens often I might add!!

So, within the hour, I had arranged Jen to come with me and by 6.30 that night we were making our merry way into town. It was a great night. One of Mozart's more unusual operas - it is in German as opposed to Italian (the international language of opera) and part of it was spoken/acted out in English. It took a bit of getting used to for me but I loved it all the same. Beautiful flute melodies whistling all the way through just as you would expect, and Papageno (the crazy bird looking creature to the right) was fantastic! Some of the other outfits cracked us up - a bit Madonna like but there's always room for artistic interpretation with Mozart!

Thankyou NZ Opera for a great night out!

Petonio

2006-06-15T19:15:00.000+12:00

A few weeks back, Hudson and I had an afternoon trip to the pier at Petone. My camera was out and he was just in fine form - we had a blast!

He was so excited with everyone fishing off the wharf that all he talked about all the way home was that he wanted a fishing rod for his birthday and he wanted his mum and dad to take him fishing. This cracked me up immensely as I can't say that fishing off the wharf would be the first place I would look for either Jenny or Marcus on a sunny afternoon!!

Well, he wanted a crack at taking a photo as well - Hudson is never one to be left out of anything! - so here it is...

...and can I say - not bad for an amateur!

There's a budding photographer in there I tell you - and he's only 3yrs old!

And why the title of Petonio you may well ask? Well, on the way home, I spent the bulk of the time trying to get Hudson to translate the trip to 'the special bridge at the beach' into the 'pier' at 'Petone' and, well, Petonio was about as close as we got!!

Mozart

2006-06-15T15:39:00.000+12:00

Thoroughly enjoyed the movie! Not everyone's 'cup-of-tea' so be warned. It was a pretty long documentary (just over 2 hours) on the life of Mozart from the age of about 4 through to his death.

The highlight was definitely the cinematography... just amazing! Throughout the movie you went to all the places Mozart lived, worked and played but those scenes were kept modern day which had a great effect - it avoided the fake by trying to reconstruct what might have been.

There were voice-overs used as parts of his letters were read, amazing pieces of artwork were shown and snippets of his music were performed. Every time they focused on a piece of music being performed, the shot was amazing. Sometimes you would only see the fingers on the keyboard, othertimes just the face of the different performers. Everything was extremely close-up which I just love! Aside from an incredibly hard to watch opera singer and an over-the-top swaying violinist who nearly gave me motion sickness, it was all hugely effective.

To top it all off, I had the cinema to myself. MYSELF!! It was great - only one miserably funny moment. In trying to choose a seat, I turned to the manager who was busy starting the film and asked which was the best seat in the house for sound (he prides himself on his sound system.. Dolby Surround Sound... tens of thousands of dollars... ra-ra!) only to be left to my own thoughts - not to mention choices - as I figured out (perhaps a little later than others might have) that he was behind a sound-proof piece of glass!! ...I suddenly had an acute sense of self as I sunk into my arm chair not to mention an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the empty cinema! Things we do eh?!

The Giant Muffin Tin

2006-06-14T20:59:00.000+12:00

Weird I know but there are days when living in the Hutt Valley could be paralleled to living in a giant muffin tin!

We're nestled right up against the hills which can be breath-taking with the right sunset but even more so when a cold spell brings the snow... yesterday and today, the mountains were sprinkled in snow - making them look almost edible! My sympathy for all my fellow Aucklanders but the weather here has only left us with a few freezing nights followed by frosty mornings and enough power to keep the heater on full!...not that I'm skiting or anything!

...I'm about done with anything that resembles study this week (and it's only Wednesday!!) so am contemplating a movie at midday down at the Lighthouse Cinema tomorrow (study day). Lighthouse cinemas down here are like mini Lidos. You know, grab your latte and chocolate brownie as opposed to popcorn and coke - right up my alley!... for this week anyway!

In case you're wondering how that works for a poor student, well, the power bill came in under budget and so the prize for keeping within the budget is of course to blow the budget!

...and my movie of choice? In Search of Mozart - seeing as there's no way I can afford a ticket to see The Magic Flute while it's in town *sob! sob!...completely gutted*

Stay tuned for the review!!

My Psalm

2006-06-02T16:55:00.000+12:00

I had a belated birthday wish come my way today and wrapped up in the sentiment was a little gem.

The gift-giver told me that Psalm 30 was 'my Psalm' and it made me smile. Not that we could ever really own a part of the Bible but I was intrigued, so I turned up and had a read. It's packed with meaning and not the easiest of the Psalms to interpret but I have decided that I'll commit the Psalm to some serious exegesis and find out what else God might say.

In the meantime, here's what I'm taking away from it:

Sing to the Lord, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favour lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:4-5

Just out of interest - what's your Psalm and what does it say to you today?... if you're further down the journey than me in terms of years, don't be shy - there are 150 chapters in Psalms!!

Supremacy

2006-05-31T19:08:00.000+12:00

Ah... so many good things today! Most recently, an incredibly tasty green curry chicken dinner with Trade Aid dark chocolate for dessert (so rich that even I can only eat 2 pieces and I'm done!). My head is just swimming with deep and ever meaningful tidbits! - where to start?!

I was watching The Bourne Supremacy yesterday and in one of the interviews in the special features, Karl Urban talked about his character who had hardly any lines in the entire movie. The way he described how he approached the character has stuck with me - he said:

"An ounce of behaviour is worth a pound of words."

Very similar to St Francis of Assisi who said:

"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."

Then I started today with an interesting thought from the Experiencing God bible study:

Watch to see where God is working and join Him.

I realised that I had been approaching each day with the mentality that God would use me but that for some reason I kind of had a tunnel vision approach to it all - you know, me versus the world! What hit me after reading this was what a privilege it actually is to join God in His work. Simple but true - no?

And then to top it all off, an officer in one of our classes today shared how instead of asking how someone was, she would always ask: "How's your soul?" because someone once asked it of her. How's your soul?! It hit me like a brick wall! ...How is my soul?... It took me ages before I could even answer. How easily do we sing the words of It Is Well With My Soul without even considering how we are actually feeling? Try it on someone this week but be prepared - you won't get a flippant answer because this is a question that makes you think!

By the way... how is your soul?

The Last Decade

2006-05-24T18:03:00.000+12:00

30 years ago to the day, after 10 months in the womb, I finally decided to arrive!! – my poor mother! From what I hear, pregnancy for 9 months is a long enough haul, let alone anyone adding another month to it! I think it’s been the pattern of my life though – I still love to take my time about things!

I have had an awesome day so far. Presents have arrived from all around the country and the phone calls and texts have been pretty steady. I had lunch with my session mates which was a great time to just escape from College and enjoy each others company… my chai latte was also superb! I’ve just had a full-on back massage as well so with a nap on the agenda anytime soon, I’m curled up in front of the heater with ‘The Italian Job’ on in the background, contemplating life – I still want to drive a mini like Charlize Theron does!

I’ve heard of some people freaking out a bit as they hit 30 so I guess I’ve been preparing for it for a little while to save myself the grief! As I was sitting at my dining room table reflecting the other night, I remembered setting some goals in my late teens of where I thought I’d be…then I roared with laughter and felt incredibly thankful for where I am today!

My 20s have been great. I love my life, I am loved and I love the friends & family that I have. And the biggest blessing of the last decade? – that’s simple. I’ve spent all of it with God. By the world’s standards, I don’t have much to show for being 30 - no house, no whiz-bang big company job, no salary! - and since I became a student I have even less (!!) but I have never been left wanting. I am rich in God and that works for me and anyway, if I wanted to rave about anything, I figured this was the best guide:

As the Scriptures say, "The person who wishes to boast should boast only of what the Lord has done."
1 Cor. 1:31 (NLT)

Ah….so much to look forward to! I’m excited about what’s ahead – a little apprehensive at times but on the whole, just plain excited! Don’t forget – big party (or dinner at least!) – for all those who can join me in Auckland in July. Thanks for all of you who made contact today – you’ve made it all the more special!

High Highs

2006-05-10T22:09:00.000+12:00

It's kind of been my phrase of late - 'High highs and low lows'... it tended to sum up my world for a while! These two amazing young women, Megan and Juanita (and Rachel who unfortunately missed the kodak moment!), were an absolute highlight of Christchurch. They are all involved in their local corps and are seeking after God with such a hunger and thirst (not to mention slightly whacky tendencies!!), it's just awesome to see!

I have great memories of little red foil wrapped easter eggs, bags of pick'n'mix and pringles with the chick flick and some superb musical moments - all yours of course Megan!... The photographer (and his family) weren't too bad company either!

I'm a bit of a M.I.L.K. fan in my spare time (and I find 'encouragement' in their design ideas!!) and I just couldn't decide which of these two quotes suited the photo best so you get to enjoy them both:

Wherever you are it is your friends who make your world
William James

No road is long with good company...

Thanks for the company guys - you made my world that weekend! I still laugh at the craziest of things when I think back to my time away, especially Easter Camp. Thanks for the high highs!

Photo #13

2006-05-10T19:58:00.000+12:00

Another round of photos and this is my pick of the moment. Luca is just gorgeous... and has a habit of doing the haka (Maori war dance) at the ripe old age of just 1!! He keeps his mainly music class pretty well entertained each week with it as well! Tracy and Malcolm are officers in The Salvation Army as well and we had loads of good times in Christchurch together.

Well, I'm back and settled in the Hutt again and life has returned to normal... well as normal as Training College ever gets! It's back to 7am cleaning duties and life by a timetable again but the changes that have gone on while we've been away are working out well.

We're having our Fair Trade Cuppa as part of Fair Trade fortnight tomorrow so, with a little bit of Shirlee Bond magic (!!), our display looks great and hopefully we'll get everyone on board. I've been challenged of late that sacrificial living is not just about the bigger sacrifices in life, but that it's also about all the little things we can do like changing products to be more environmentally friendly and becoming Fair Trade supporters - paying a little more to serve a greater purpose.

Well, God has done some amazing things in my life of late but my brain is still sorting through it all! More on all that later! The most prominent thing that comes to mind tonight would be His ability to work tough times into something good. We serve a mighty God and I'm grateful that His mercies are new every morning!

Highlights

2006-04-23T00:05:00.000+12:00

Ah! I know... I've been slack at writing and slack at returning emails but - like the tortoise and the hare - I'll get there in the end! If you're awaiting a reply, just give me another couple of days!!

Currently, we're drinking gross amounts of tea and coffee and solving the problems of the world from our little units here on campus - it's great fun! I'm enjoying my 'big bed' and my 'little unit' all over again and am attempting to chew through the learnings of out-training - so much to reflect on. I'm missing friendships from Christchurch yet am grateful to be back in a comfortable environment to get my thinking sorted - it makes all the difference to the end result!

I'm still trying to get my readings done and can I say not one of you offered to help there... slackers! My quote of the moment would have to be from Corrie Ten Boom's book Amazing Love - a great read if you have some spare time in your day.

We do not need a great faith, but faith in a great God
Hudson Taylor

And my highlight since being back - that's easy! Just yesterday, 3 and a half year old Hudson, after running up for a hug after such a long time away, put two little hands around my arm, leaned his head up against it for a bit, then (with Jen's gentle prodding to repeat what he had gone over to her to whisper in her ear just moments before) looked up at me and said, "You're beautiful Karen." Ah... the innocence of children!! Gotta love it and it made my day!

Photo #12

2006-04-07T20:43:00.000+12:00

I thought this photo was timely considering I’ve only got 11 days to go in Christchurch. It was taken during a bit of sight-seeing with Mat & Jules over the weekend of the General’s visit. Of course we still attended all the meetings!!

The photo itself kind of help to put the experiences I’ve had down here into perspective – I hope I’ve carried on the ‘open fire’ against the enemy in some small way… man is it a battle we’re in or what!

There have been some really high times and some tough moments too but God is good!

Hmmm… wow! After the last three months, I have absolutely no idea what’s around the corner! All I know is that I’m still here and I want to go on. I also know, really know, that its not going to be in my strength that I keep going, it’s going to be in His!

This about sums me up…

Let whatsoever will or can befall me, I will surely cleave by my sweet Saviour Christ Jesus, for in him am I baptised; I can neither do nor know anything but only what he has taught me.
Martin Luther

No more talk!

2006-04-04T13:57:00.000+12:00

I know, I know - I'm well overdue for a photo and I've been rambling heaps of late but I've got a film in being developed as I write so watch this space!

Until then, how's this for a tagline - it came from friends of mine from the Mainland (commonly known to all true New Zealanders as the North Island!!), from Roto-vegas to be precise!...

Seek His will - Learn His truths - Love His people - Trust His plans

Isn't that awesome! I was challenged and encouraged all in one - hope you are too!

P.S. - Aye-ya-yaye!... please Lord, wherever my first appointment may be, may there be someone to do Home League for me!

Apprehension

2006-04-04T00:46:00.000+12:00

I received my ferry ticket to get home today and it's starting to sink in... out training really is nearly over!

And with that comes apprehension. I say apprehension and not worry although I'm not 100% sure if there's a huge difference or not. I know all of Matthew 6 about not worrying and when it comes down to it, I'm really not worried about my future... just a little apprehensive.

I found out that my Sunday placement corps for the rest of the year is a wee drive (3 hour round trip) from College. My initial reaction was not the best but I'm learning to just 'feel the feelings' and move on!! My frustration comes in that I wonder sometimes whether the Army still approach singles with a 'plug the hole' mentality. Was this a prayerfully considered decision - one where the powers-that-be think that this is the God-appointed place for me to be, or was it attached to my name simply because I have no spouse/family to add to the mix and every other corps placement was needed for the families? Does it really matter? God will be in it anyway I know, but I can't help but feel a little farmed-out... and this doesn't exactly inspire confidence for my future appointments.

But then, God will be in those as well so, once again, does it really matter? I'm sure there are other officers out there that struggle with the grey area of which 'orders' just fall into the catergory of having to suck-it-up and follow without entering into great amounts of discussion, and which 'orders' we still follow but enter into a little bit of discussion regarding selfcare... oh I don't know! Is there only one category - just follow!! Real ramblings tonight...

Add to the mix the fact that I'm struggling with a possible first appointment (and I say possible VERY loosely!!) being the Street Outreach ministry I've been involved in over the last 3 months vs corps placement... It's tough to get my head around it all - so after a moment at the beach the other day (one where I came back completely covered in sand I might add! - I'm still finding it in my twice washed ears and scalp!!), I decided not to give it too much more thought.

Some days, corps (church) ministry fires me up completely - especially after days like Sunday! Other times I could easily leave it to another officer! Street Outreach is hard with pretty slow progress most days, incredibly frustrating moments as staff fight the various government systems and yet so rewarding when yet another worker comes off the street in search of a better life. It can sometimes (perhaps even dangerously) feel like real work as opposed to the other. Hmmmm.... I don't want to hide behind what feels like the right kind of work. Who knows where'll I'll end up eh? ...

My apprehension is slowly giving way to peace... slowly!

Procrastination

2006-04-01T13:06:00.000+12:00

I do believe I have written on this topic before but I'm back there yet again!!

I have three things currently before me:

My sermon ... soooo not going to write itself! (before you judge me, relax! - it's half finished and been on the boil for weeks!!)
Eat some more black forest chocolate ... mmmmmm - currently winning the stakes!
Procrastinate and blog!

All three will be achieved before the end of the day - no prizes for guessing which comes third in the pecking order! I must give credit where credit is due though and thank salvokat for this light relief before I really get back on task.

All I can say is .... DON'T DO IT! Seriously! ... DON'T DO IT!

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All Fired Up!

2006-03-31T17:31:00.000+12:00

I have about 15mins before I need to leave for dinner but these random thoughts just sometimes don't stop!!

Just a quick word, more than a thought right at this precise moment, but to all those working in the Army at present and/or just for God in general (wait - isn't that all of us!), I know it's easy to feel like a one-man-band at times.

I just wanted to encourage you to check out the Sally Bloggers webring as there are some great sites hidden in there of others battling, serving the cause as best as they can and just recording their thoughts and ramblings along the way (including our very own Lucy AitkenRead who will always give you food-for-thought!). We're so not alone in our dreams for the Army - our willingness to see God move, souls saved, poverty eradicated and just plain old mission actually happening again!

It's not about being mad about The Salvation Army and it's not about being mad at the Army - although I must admit somtimes I'm both mad about the Army and it's original mission focus and other times I'm mad at the Army itself!

I don't know about you but at the heart of it all and for me right here and now, I think it's about listening to God, going where He wants us to go and doing what He wants us to do - no matter what the cost. Easy to say... hard to do. Just be encouraged that you're not alone in whatever it is you do for God.

So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

How Rich Am I?!

2006-03-30T22:27:00.000+12:00

I woke up to a brand new day today. Lucky me!

It’s no secret that I’m kinda ready to get back home. Out-training does have the feel of an extended working holiday (of sorts!) and with that goes the feel of living out of a suitcase – for me anyway! I’m ready to get back to what I know as being home (my own bed, the rest of my wardrobe and living amongst all of my own things!) and so the last few days are a little hard not to count down… well, until today that is. I woke up, after only a few hours sleep and hit the ground running – literally!

Again, don’t all die of shock, but I ended up at the gym with a friend and the blessings just went from there and so many were they, that I challenge you to stop and take inventory of your own – particularly if you need something to brighten your day!

It hit me that I am so very rich in more ways than just money – and in case you’re wondering, I don’t actually have much of that (!!) but what I do have more than meets my needs!

My top five blessings? Well…

One of the girls I’ve had the privilege of meeting and sharing a little with, as part of the Street Outreach Service, has come off the street. She’s now living in our halfway house and attending a programme at Employment Plus.
After acknowledging, yet again (!!), that a gym membership is just out of the budget for now and steeling myself for another offer that would be well beyond my finances, I got 10 free visits to the best gym in Christchurch (complete with great views right by the treadmills!) all for the price of an Easter egg – go figure! It’s not often a gym says, “Bring us an easter egg and we’ll give you 10 free visits!”
I got to plan my own day today. So, I decided that spending time just chatting with new friends that I’ve made in Christchurch was essential and I ended up being encouraged by them way more than they will ever know!
I got the chance to go to the beach today… in fact, my favourite beach down by the pier in New Brighton. I love being near water – it just re-energises me.
Just as my old tramping shoes were giving out on me, I managed to pick up a new pair on special – down from $200 to $60… now that’s what I call successful shopping!

Not overly exciting to anyone not living my life but it was enough for me to lift my eyes up out of what I don’t have and how I can’t live and instead, appreciate what is around me, the people that are here in a life that I need to live for just a little bit longer.

And your top 5 would be…?

A Muppet?!!

2006-03-23T22:50:00.000+12:00

Well... I set out tonight to be inspired and encouraged. You know how it is - as life goes on, we come across different variations of our name but most of them are the same. This, however, was highly over-rated!!

After being inspired by Andi's result (andi: adjective - visually addictive), I followed the link and ended up with this...

Karen --
[noun]:

A real life muppet

A real life muppet?! ...hmmm, yeah - like I said, a highly over-rated moment!! If you are defined as more than a muppet, you'll have to let me know!!

'How" will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

English Paste

2006-03-21T23:00:00.000+12:00

Oh my goodness! I went out for a walk today (don't all die of shock!!), and had a bit of a rude awakening.

After exerting myself for a good 40 minutes, give or take, I returned in company with my fellow walkers to the carpark where most of us took off a layer or two to help cool down before moving on to a cafe to celebrate our efforts and I just about ran for cover!! My Summer tan has up and left me! It has gone and I mean gone! So far gone that I don't remember being this white in years and even then, I wasn't this funny kind of pasty white.

I now know what it feels like to be English! I am suddenly the epitomy of pasty and it's just... bizarre! Now's your opportunity to tell me you're all in the same boat (excluding the Collings family who have been on the East Coast of the North Island since January and will put us all to shame come our return to College after Easter!!).

...and for the 2nd and final time, is there no-one out there who is going to help me with my readings??! Come on! Only 200 pages and a brief synopsis is all I require!... You might be pleased to know that in fine (and very typical) Karen form, I am currently part way through 9 books - 3 course related (snore!) - and 2 booklets of readings. Oh man! *sigh* ...finishing 4 books was just NEVER going to happen! May my lecturers have mercy on me!

Honda - schmonda!

2006-03-14T23:06:00.000+13:00

When it comes to driving cars I’ll never afford, I think I’m doing ok!

In the last year and a bit, I’ve managed to drive my cousin's Holden Club Sport (that’s about all I know about that one as I would much prefer a Ford Falcon… if I ever had the choice that is!), I’ve driven one of the new Dodge Rams (a red one – kind of like driving a tank but super smooth and just dead cool – let’s face it!) and then, just this weekend past, my lazy Sunday was wonderfully interrupted.

I went out for coffee with a friend (and on the way discovered another great café hidden in this sleepy little hollow!)… and there began my latest ‘ride’! It just so happened that my friend drives an almost brand new Mini Cooper – a little grey one to be precise – and she let me get behind the wheel!

Oh man! It was enough to make you weep – seriously! The interior was just so cool… all black and racey and for just a moment, this brunette became the incredible, blond Charlize Theron and the crazy driving of The Italian Job flashed through my mind. Of course, reality set in before I went racing over tram lines and through Cathedral Square and I kept to the speed limit but man was it great fun!

I remember growing up and hearing my Dad comment (after my request of a pink Nifty 50 like all the really cool College girls had!) that there were two things I would never be allowed to drive – one was a motorbike and the other was a mini! …I reckon he might change his mind if he rode in one of these!

Well, considering Lotto is out of the question (!!) I'm left with my little red Honda... which I love truly... truly... *sigh!*

Surprises

2006-03-08T19:23:00.000+13:00

I don't know about you but I LOVE surprises!

Yesterday I picked up a film I had developed and whenever I open another lot of photos, I'm always holding my breath to see whether any of them are any good. This one was a nice surprise!

It's one of the most beautiful places in Christchurch - despite the fact that it will blow your hair back to say the least! Even the seagulls hang on for dear life if they risk a rest on the railings!

There's a library with a glass window which faces the pier - it's just awesome... peaceful, serene and not a bad perch on my day off! Hope you enjoy it too and if it makes any of you want to visit, remember there are four bedrooms here to choose from!!

Photo #11

2006-03-08T19:10:00.000+13:00

A change is as good as a holiday for some people - for me, I get rejuvenated simply from a good photo...weird huh?!

Marina, this one is for you! You have two beautiful children who can always make me smile! Thank you for your love, support and prayers - not to mention the most comfortable uniform I've ever had to wear and that more than one or two are envious of!

The Freedom to Choose

2006-03-01T18:58:00.000+13:00

Hmmmm... grace, mercy, humility.

Don't you hate it when you know you possess very little of each of these! What's even worse is when you realise that it's really only your pride that stops you from offering the little you do posses a lot more readily!

I've realised a few things of late...

Firstly, I have a lot of head knowledge but not a great deal of experience. It's one thing to know that you need to follow a biblical principle, it's another thing to actually have followed it!

Secondly, I get the feeling God wants me to live out a bit more of my head knowledge in my everyday life so He's provided an opportunity to walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk.

Thirdly, despite how painful aspects of the situation might be, I still have a choice...

Fourthly, there are promises to cling to when we opt in:

Isaiah 57:15
..."I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts..."

Isaiah 66:2
..."I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word..."

Joshua 1:5, 9
I will not fail you or abandon you... I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

What have I chosen?... *sigh* ... Yes. Not an easy option for someone who prefers to speak her mind nine times out of ten!! The challenge - despite the obvious one of actually doing it! - is not to let my humour come to the fore! I don't want to act the right response in tough situations and be thinking another (!!), I want to mean it.

You may well ask, have I found my sense of humour again? - yes! It's just had to go on a leash for the time being!

By the way, any one want to read a book (or two!) for me? Just the first 200 pages is all I require - well, that and a brief synopsis! Any takers??... Come on! Be nice! You all know I have at least 10 books on the go at once, that I won't finish most of them and that there are at least another 20 on my bookshelf that I've yet to read! Four books on my out training was just never really going to happen...!

Art, Coffee & FMs

2006-02-18T20:35:00.000+13:00

I think it's absolutely appalling when people cannot appreciate art for art's sake and when they even go so far as to feel that they need to add to it almost as if to fix it somehow?? - It's outrageous!! It just breaks my heart... in fact no, to be more precise, Ivanka and Andi...*sigh*... you both just disappoint me - you have left me... speechless - momentarily!

I started out on a hunt for a very cool shot of a latte that I took sometime last year in order to explain a nickname that has grown out of my obsession with both coffee and languages. This photo has nothing to do with that (as I'm sure you can see!) but hey... who cares!

It seems that one cannot have the blood of our warrior ancestors, a love of the romantic languages and a fetish for good coffee and still be considered a true-blue 'bro'... so apparently, I have crossed yet another boundary (been doing that a lot lately!!) - I have moved to the darker side and have been dubbed a Flash Maori!!

I... actually I... I... just feel so... so... moved by the privilege - nay, the honour - to be considered so highly esteemed among my... bros. To quote one of NZ's 'brainiest children' - I just feel completely enamoured!

Ciao tutti!

The Best Medicine

2006-02-17T19:07:00.000+13:00

Where oh where has my sense of humour gone?!!... Siobhan, without you, life would be oh so dull!

I'm currently racking my brain trying to come up with the last time I laughed so hard (other than earlier today!) but... nope! It's just been too long, that's for sure!

A little over six weeks is all the time I have left down here then it's back to the Hutt (yee haa!). There's lots more to see and experience around this territory though so I'm doing my best to fit in as many different things as possible.

There are officers down here that are passionate and fired up which is just awesome - sometimes I think we can 'rain on someone's parade' ten times faster than we can encourage them (purely because we're human!). Me personally? They are the type of people I want to surround myself with particularly at this time in my life!

I want to dream big (both for The Salvation Army - it's never too late! - but most importantly for the Kingdom of God in general!) and I want people around me to do the same! The moment we stop learning, growing and allowing the Holy Spirit to continue to work in our lives we can easily become stagnant and that's a dangerous place to be.

I'm back into the prayer of Jabez with a passion - may God not only increase your territory but may He bless you too!... and may He return my sense of humour to me sometime soon as well - 'tis lonely and a tad boring without one's ability to laugh at one's self!!

Incomparable Love

2006-02-13T22:59:00.000+13:00

In case you’re curious, this has absolutely NOTHING to do with Valentine’s Day!!

What this is about is the Street Outreach ministry down here that has thrown me into a bit of a tail spin.

In a nutshell, the ministry includes a drop-in centre for prostitutes 3 nights a week, a caravan that drives the city circuit on another 3 nights of the week (both providing free food and drink), follow-up care and a house that provides a place to stay (both for those who want to come or have come off the street/those wanting to get back on their feet).

Oh me, oh my! – I had no idea I had lived such a sheltered little life up until now! I’m incredibly grateful for my upbringing and that it has not included much of what I have seen over the past few weeks but I’ve just had my world kind of rocked… I want to help and therein lies the challenge. How do you help? When I stood back and gave myself some thinking space, I realised I didn’t have a clue what these men and women needed.

All that knowledge that I thought I had of what to do in this job – gone!
All my thoughts on social injustice – challenged!
All my ideas of what really goes on out there – blown completely out of the water!

…and here’s the really weird thing for me – in The Salvation Army, officers often have to canvas their local pubs on a Friday night. You go in uniform with a little brown box to collect money, hand out The Salvation Army magazine and make conversation/build relationships with people. I find pubs REALLY diffcult. I suppose you could say I struggle to even make conversation (don’t laugh!) but I’ve managed to get through it and I’ve seen God move in some amazing ways - despite my sorry efforts at times! Here’s the weird thing – I find what I’m actually doing with the street ministry incredibly similar to the pubs - you're just there to chat and build relationships, yet I feel completely different. I can’t wait to get there each night I’m on even if it’s just to make sure that the girls are still alive! Another day is another opportunity to let them know that God loves them and that usually comes through what we do not what we say – that in itself challenges me.

Why Incomparable Love? Because that’s what we’re supposed to be all about, right? Jesus loved like no other – He loved unconditionally, He showed love even if people didn’t show love back and most importantly, He loved first. There’s just no other kind of love you can compare that to… and that’s the kind of love I’m challenged to show every time I’m out there on the street.

Is it enough? – I don’t know
Is there more I should be doing? – I’m not sure...that's all part of the tail spin at the moment!
Is it the answer? – I don’t know but it’s definitely a part of it and perhaps what should always come first

And the burning question most of you might have about now - Has anyone ever come off the street? … Yes

Where to from here? - I'm just not sure. All I know for now is that I want to learn all that God has to show me and I don't say that lightly. The past few weeks have involved some pretty tough times where I've had no answers and wanted out more than once...yet I'm still here.

I think my out training is going to be a bit of a wild ride! Part of me wonders what's next and another part of me just doesn't want to know!!... I guess I'm just going to keep going - one day at a time (despite the fact that occasionally I would like to take it 2 or even 3 at a time!).

Snow Angels on Carpet

2006-02-02T23:16:00.000+13:00

Ever had one of those moments where you felt the need to do something that you've never done before? Well, I had one tonight.

While talking to Rach on the phone (great time, great company - distracted only for the briefest of moments I assure you!), I had a burning desire to just lie down on the floor in the middle of the lounge and create my own little carpet snow angel!

Where did this burning desire come from? - no idea!
Will it return anytime soon? - no idea!

.... and the most important question of all:

Did I actually do it? - I'll leave you all to surmise and for those with vivid imaginations to create their own mental picture!!

Photo #10

2006-01-17T19:50:00.000+13:00

This one is probably the favourite from my holidays.

This is Glenn's niece Megan - latte-making Brandon's little sister! There were a few santa hats lying around on Christmas Day which Megan had been playing with off and on. In between the unwrapping of her presents, she just put this one on and stood still - for all of about 2 seconds!

It's all about timing and that's always a fluke!

And the Road Trip ends!

2006-01-17T18:30:00.000+13:00

Stage Three: Picton to Christchurch - without air conditioning!

A little hard to see I know but the blobs on the rocks are seals! Driving the coast was pretty amazing. A little different to what I remember but that was about 5 years ago! The brown countryside along the way (although a little browner than usual apparently) was splotched with random patches of green which was a little weird but the views of the sea were awesome.

We stopped at a cafe in Kekerengu - the only place around for miles, in fact, the only place there at all! - and man, talk about a slice of paradise. The cafe had a wooden floor throughout and great big windows all around. The doors opened out onto a deck and the view was straight out over the ocean... put a few palm trees up and it was like you'd driven onto a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific!

An old flatmate of mine (Sarah) had been on my mind a bit of late - you know, New Year and all, time to catch up with old friends - and who should sit down to share our massive table in the shade during lunch? None other than her parents! Random! We spent some time catching up which was great and then hit the road again - without air conditioning!

The summer sun was definitely up for the trip pretty much until we were just outside of Christchurch. It wasn't too long though and we were checking out my new 'digs'! Four bedrooms, separate lounge, dining and kitchen, two toilets... more than enough room to lose myself in!

And there ended the Road Trip - without air conditioning!

Was there a funny moment you may well ask? ...many mindless laughs, which always make a road trip fun, but it would have to be the first time I have ever actually seen a driver choose to stop at roadworks lights in order to get out and walk around the car (almost 3 times!!) just to cool down because - wait!... you guessed it!... there was no air conditioning!! Ahhhhh....things we do eh?!

And the Road Trip continues...

2006-01-16T21:47:00.000+13:00

Stage Two: Wellington to Picton Ferry - with gross amounts of natural air conditioning!

Well, no photos here. Simple reason really. The cameras were in the car... on the fifth deck... which was out of bounds once we'd set sail... and was too far to walk anyway!

Funny moment? - an almost Titanic re-run coming into Picton. No, not the prow of the ship scene!! The screaming to their death sliding down the deck scene! Had anyone on the top deck have let go of the railing, they would have been blown to the back of the deck in a matter of seconds!

Another funny moment? - standing next to someone in exactly the same top and not noticing... for AGES!

And then there was... the Road Trip!

2006-01-16T20:10:00.000+13:00

Stage One: Hamilton to Wellington - without air conditioning!

We went the other way round the mountain and I had great fun winding down the windows and just mucking around on the digital camera to try and capture the different view.

If you look really closely, you'll see there's 3 layers - light coloured grass at the bottom, dark trees in the middle and then the snow of the mountain. Kinda cool to be able to get a different view and just as well we did as about 5 or 10 minutes later, cloud settled all around the top of the mountain and you almost couldn't see the snow.

What can I say... it's just another of the favourites really!

Funniest moment? After finally deciding to take strawberries with us to dinner do you think there would be any fruit and vege shops on our side of the road for the last 2hrs of the drive? NO! ...and I mean NO! So we end up at New World spending twice as much as intended but I must report a rather marvelous find. Has anyone seen the magazine called 'KAREN'?! I kid you not! It looked pretty cool at a glance - glossy pages, full of fashion... dead cool if you ask me but hey, maybe I'm a little biased!

"Untle Lenn!"

2006-01-16T19:32:00.000+13:00

I thought it was about time for at least a photo update. This is Glenn's nephew Brandon who just adores his 'Untle Lenn'...

A regular sight over Christmas was the latte kitchen scene with Brandon sitting on the bench asking as many questions as he could until his chocolate fluffy was ready. He'll be making coffee in no time!

21 Days To Go!

2005-11-29T18:54:00.000+13:00

...not that I'm counting or anything! Exams are over, field work is finished and now it's pretty much just carolling, in-service bits and pieces, cleaning and packing till D-Day - and trust me when I say that the bags will be packed, the car backed into the driveway and on the "Amen!" of our last meeting I'll be outta here - I'm sooo not kidding!!

I haven't really reflected on the year yet - if it's not in the timetable, it just doesn't happen!! - but I know that this has been a pretty good year all round. I'm incredibly grateful for the break that's coming up and can't wait to spend time with friends and family back home and just relax for a bit - preferably without the fear that I've missed a memo or a timetable change or both!!

I did a message on Mary and Martha just the other day (Luke 10:38-42...some light reading for you all!) and in my hunt for illustrations, I came across the title of an article that summed up the whole passage for me - not to mention the fact that it challenged me hugely. Bearing in mind that Martha was 'distracted' by her preparations which shifted the focus of her serving and that Mary chose the one thing that was needed and sat at Jesus' feet listening to all that He said, the title read:

Are you going to have a Martha Christmas or a Mary Christmas?

Challenged? I know you probably can't imagine it (although I'm sure my family can!!) but my unit is a mess at the moment! I haven't done a thing since before exams! The only washing that gets done are the essentials and only then, when they keep running out!! I was challenged about choosing wisely and about making sure that I have a Mary Christmas that includes taking time out just to sit in God's presence and get to know Him better.

Martha or Mary? What'll it be for you as we come into the busy Christmas season? I hope it's Mary for you all! If I don't catch you at Christmas, I hope I will in the New Year sometime. Watch this space... if the timetable allows there might even be another post between here and 2006 - and if not, at least a photo or two! Take care - miss you all!...

Ciao!
K.

Lily White

2005-10-27T16:58:00.000+13:00

Well it's definitely that time of year again. The lilies are out and looking fab all around college (unfortunately there aren't any in front of my flat... just an overgrown bush!) and, of course, it wouldn't be 'almost summer' if the lily white legs didn't come out around campus to join them!

Hey, we're all in the same boat are we not?! Now's the time to get the skirts and singlets out as we try desperately to get that first sizzle on our arms and legs so that we can go into summer with some pride!

Yesterday was just soooo hot down here in the Hutt. There was nothing but a gentle breeze (a rarity for anywhere in Wellington!) so I cashed in on it, closed the books and headed out with the camera! I haven't taken too many shots recently so it felt good to be out and about. The wind did pick up so it didn't last too long but hey, around here, a break is as good as a holiday!!

For those of you that haven't heard, I'm off to Christchurch for my out training next year... a little further away than I had originally hoped for but God is good! I've friends and family in the area and there have been some divine appointments with contacts being made already so God must have a plan and a whole lot to teach me!

We're winding up to exam season soon so it's pretty much 'head down bum up' around here at the moment! If we're not in the books for our classes, we're all finishing off the last of our sermons and meeting leads... never a dull moment! I suppose you could say I'm rather chipper and relaxed about it all at the moment. Somehow I'm managing to keep my head out of the clouds (just!)... more on that another day!

In the meantime, here's my latest little snippet for you all. If decisions have been hard to come by of late, then I hope this helps:

So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light.
Colossians 1:9-12 (NLT)

Photo #9

2005-10-13T15:48:00.000+13:00

I was sitting at the desk in my room this afternoon trying to psyche myself into doing some more work... actually to start some work (!!) and I ended up spending time looking at all the photos I've got pinned to my noticeboard infront of me... I miss you all!

We've been back since July and I'm ready for another break I must admit! Just a few days away from waking up to the same view, a few days of not having to get up at 7am to mop, clean or vacuum before I'm actually in my body and just... well - a break would be awesome shall we say!

We've got a little over 8 weeks to go so I guess all I can do is count down really... one latte at a time, I'm sure I'll get there!

This photo was taken when the Faith Factory music team visited Hastings... we just had the BEST time as a team! AJ, Andrew, Siobhan and I sung hardout all the way down from Auckland. From Kirk Franklin, to Van Morrisson and on to Ron Kenoly - we sung it all... not the best idea when we all had a concert the next night but hey, it was worth the laughs! I had to pick one off the wall so this was it. It made me smile the most - hope it does the same for all of you. You just can't beat good times with good company!

Exercise Dilemma

2005-10-12T15:57:00.000+13:00

Most of you will know that without my shoes, I'm pushing 5'4" ... stop giggling! We shorties have finely tuned hearing!

The latest dilemma to go with my height is my clothesline. For around 8 months of the year it had a serious lean... so serious, nothing could actually hang on it unless I could even it out on the other side! Even then my gracious second year neighbours commented on the 'special treatment' I was getting as a first year - to have such a unique fixture in my backyard! How lucky! Not only could I not hang anything on it, it wouldn't turn around either - no, not even in Wellington's wind!

Well, I followed procedure, put in my blue maintenance form and waited patiently... and waited... and waited... and then one day, I went to try the clothesline again, just in case it had been fixed, only to discover one slight problem - I couldn't reach it! I kid you not! Try as I might (with some serious looking around in between I might add!), it alluded me! That is, until I jumped - now there's a mental picture for you all! The kind maintenance man had done a great job on my clothesline - fixed it all up like brand new! ... and raised it an inch or two in the process!

Now, hanging out the washing (which I must say is a rarity as I'm a tad lazy and can afford a laundry room inside!) is now a sporting event! Complete with pegs in mouth and clothing in hand, I have to jump to reach the outside lines, all the while providing yet more sport for my neighbours should they look out their windows at the opportune moment!

But alas, there's hope! I'm not sure if it's due to my 'sport' or not, but the outside lines have... stretched a little!

In my zest to get the washing dry on the first fine day we've had for a while, I psyched myself up to hang the washing outside this morning only to find that I could reach the line on tippy toes - hence the blog... I kinda miss the exertion, though few and far between the moments may have been! Now I have to find something else that counts as exercise as - at the peak of physical fitness (hard to believe I know!!) - walking up the 'hill' to class ("It's a slope!" quips Nicky!) no longer counts!

Photo #8

2005-10-09T19:57:00.000+13:00

While women weep as they do now
I'll fight
While little children go hungry as they do now
I'll fight
While men go to prison in and out
I'll fight
While there remains yet one dark soul without the light of God
I'll fight
I'll fight to the very end.

General William Booth

Founder of The Salvation Army

Activities Week

2005-10-09T19:06:00.000+13:00

Wow! What a whirlwind month it's been! During the second week of the holidays, College stop classes and we have an Activities Week which has been a bit of a blessing for me.

There was a First Aid Course for everyone on Monday and Tuesday, but thanks to my boss at school last year (may God bless you abundantly Howard!!), I am already certified and did not need to attend - 2 days all to myself, thank you Lord! So the first part of the week helped me to catch up on my work after being sick a few weeks before and meant I could feel a little bit more human... no classes, no uniform, no pressure!

Wednesdays picnic was put off until Thursday and that was a good chance to get out (albeit into a pooey sheep paddock!!) and mix'n'mingle for the day. Some great photos should come out of it hopefully.

And Friday you may well ask? Well Friday was the tramp...uphill, sleet, hail and lots of rain - sound like fun to you?! Well, despite my determination to enjoy it, I must say I came home a tad cold... actually freezing would better describe my general well-being on arriving back at college! The feeling of success on completion wasn't quite the same but alas, I can at least say I have conquered (some of) Mt Holdsworth! The walk definitely blew out the cobwebs and I must concede this time (to the aging Major Noakes) to having wet socks! I was so cold my toes weren't just pruny they were blue as well! A 20min shower followed by a night in front of the heater almost cured all.

Well, despite my fairly relaxed week, I've still a little bit more to do tonight on some assignments but it will all get done! The holiday week is over and its back to uniform, classes and structure tomorrow. Exams are fast approaching and the workload will continue but its all good. We find out our out-training appointments for 2006 in just over a week so I'll make a special blog as close to the date as I can.

Dan & Rach, thanks for dinner the other night. It was great to see you both again and I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation. It's always nice to have a little bit of home down here in Wellington!

Don't hold your breath, but I'll do my best to pick a photo or two and put them up... it's just so hard to choose now! And it just wouldn't be me if I didn't leave you with a little something... hows this for challenging lyrics from Kate Wray (I'm assuming they're public domain by now!):

I make a vow
My life will always honor Christ
Whether I live or die

I belong to Him
He bore my sin
I owe this life to my saving King

I am not my own
You are in control

For me to live is Christ
And to die is gain
No matter what price I pay
I choose to give this life away

Challenged?

LiveFire

2005-09-19T22:50:00.000+12:00

WOW!... is all I can say about my weekend. It was just AWESOME! The youth conference was just the tip of the iceberg for me. I’m always amazed at how much God manages to speak to me and teach me when I’m SO busy I can hardly see my way ahead. Does that ever happen to anyone else out there?!

I have enough work on at the moment to make the average person squirm but such is life. I do what I can each day and try and look after myself in the process – you know, early nights, good diet, a little *admitted very little!* exercise … blah! blah! And yet, amidst it all, God speaks to me so clearly its like he’s calling through a megaphone!

The first little revelation came last week when I finally realised that, despite my best efforts to stay on top of the workload, I was not going to make one of the deadlines. So, I had to tackle my pride and go and ask for an extension. Having that ‘in-the-bag’, I decided to go for peace of mind late last week and shelve the assignment the night before the youth conference so I could get my house in order instead! – Laugh you may but those of you who know me will know that that truly did give me peace of mind… and can I say that I managed to pack my bag and NOT forget anything the next morning as well! Being organised has its benefits!

Secondly, having made the mental decision to shelve the assignment along with the rest of the workload until after the weekend and then focus myself on the conference, I had so many divine appointments that I’m still reeling! God used so many others to speak to me – to confirm and even answer some prayers of late – that I had to head back to my room at one stage just to get it all down on paper! That, I can safely say, has never happened before – not when life has been so busy anyway! From illustrations for my sermon next week to prayers both on my heart and others that were answered, to just ramblings and thoughts… my brain was on overload several times.

Thirdly, I had the time of my life playing photographer for the weekend and see that as nothing short of a blessing from God! I thought that I would pretty much have to give up my passion for photography on coming into College as I just couldn’t see how it could be used… until this weekend! I had a ball getting up close and personal with all that was going on and just getting trigger happy when I felt like it! A lot of the weekend was experimenting though (with permission of course!) so I hope there’s a decent amount of good shots amongst all the trial and error!

Well, despite the high of the weekend, the workload has not disappeared and so it is to the books I head for the better part of the next 2 weeks. I will fulfil my promises and get at least one photo up before the month is out (!!) but until next time, let me leave you with a verse from one of the meetings on the weekend - a little gem which I had forgotten was hidden among the minor prophets!...

The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17

Ciao!
K.

Alright already!

2005-09-05T21:44:00.000+12:00

Alright already – I get the hint! … only because it’s been nearly a month since my last rambling!

I must update you all on Hudson. Not long after that photo, he tripped over and fell awkwardly on his ankle resulting in a fracture (which took the radiologist a few days to find!!) and a cast the full length of his leg! Needless to say, he was miserable for a good while but is now back to his usual self – albeit hobbling! – and is still able to point his wee finger and express himself completely!

Life has been ordinary to say the least – the pile of study waxes and wanes, week in week out. I suppose, really, that life has been so quiet there just hasn’t really been a lot to blog!

The yellow haze of pollen that settled on the Hutt (and can I say my clean car – no less than a day after it shone so brightly – ruining my bi-annual effort!!) is beginning to lessen and if anything, our timetable is about to really take-off. Come Friday, we’re off on another Mission Weekend this time to Hastings, the following week is full of assignments (four due on the Friday to be precise!) and then it’s the North Island Live Fire Youth Conference.

I could admit to being bitter about going to Matamata instead of Timaru (like some lucky people are!)… but I’m not! I get to spend a weekend just a few hours from home *sigh!*, I get to catch up with everyone from the Faith Factory that will be there AND I get to go with some pretty cool young people from Wellington City corps.

There is one thing that I truly, truly am missing and envy all you Aucklanders for having at your fingertips and that is… the NZ Herald!! I mean who really cares about news in Wellington ANYWAY!!! I’m stuck reading The Dominion Post every morning and well, quite frankly, I’m left feeling like I need something else to come before my morning cuppa!

Do I care that I won’t be able to cash in on any of the specials advertised – nope!
Do I care that I won’t be able to see with my own eyes the developments of troubles mentioned – nope!
Will I just be soothed by the thought-provoking, sometimes a little radical yet wildly honest Letters to the Editor, Side-Swipe and its funky little magazine additions – yep!

Well, that really is about the extent of it all for now! Standby for a few photos... still playing with a few from my holiday. God is good – I’m still learning so much everyday both about myself and about Him, and if I was to leave you with anything it would have to be this… it has made the constant process of refining a little easier to take!

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2 Tim. 2:20-21

Photo #7

2005-08-07T19:21:00.000+12:00

The tenacious 2 and a half year old... isn't he just gorgeous!

His imaginative play just cracks me up. Yesterday, while Marcus and Jen had a break, Hudson and I headed off to the playground where he proceeded to jump from a great height (off the seat of the bbq table at the playground) into his 'pool' (a pool of bark chips that would be!).

At one point, he jumped off then suddenly turned to me, eyes wide, and gasped:

"Karen!... I need my goggles! You wait right here (his little finger points to my seat) and I'll go home and get them!"

...I just couldn't argue with that so after laughing we decided we should both go and get his goggles!

Hudson would have to be a sure cure for those long, intense days!
... Gotta love 'em!

A Truly Lazy-Hazy Day

2005-08-06T19:51:00.000+12:00

Today was a scorcher in the Hutt!... no seriously! It was!... as long as you weren't in the shade that is!

Life around campus was just great today. After sleeping very nearly half of the day away, I managed to come to the surface about 11am and venture outside to hang out some washing and oh... beautiful! Wished you were all here with me!

I took my morning cup of tea, ambled on over to Jen's, went to the playground with Hudson - who proceeded to tell me what to do when and where... the power of a 2 and a half year old! Sometime after lunch we all gathered on the field by the playground to watch Nicky and Ralph's efforts to launch Luke's rocket - a birthday present for a 4 year old that took more than a few attempts I might add! Who would have thought mixing vinegar and baking soda was really that hard! *Nicky cries: "It reeeeally was!" from beside me* To say they provided the afternoon's entertainment would be somewhat..... fact!

The car cleaning bug was contagious from Nigel to Christine to me to Ralph... our carport out the back looks pretty impressive about now - and under the carport they shall stay as we've had more than a few icy frosts of late! I think everyone has caught up on washing as everything just seemed to dry in an instant but, needless to say, no work was completed other than Marcus... *geek*... the rest of us just sat around in between little jobs and made a decent attempt at baking in the sun!

Well, in a few weeks time we'll all be frantically studying in the library till late ... Marcus will, however, be wandering around looking for a table tennis partner!

Procrastination never pays - except when everyone else joins in!

Time Flies

2005-07-27T12:54:00.000+12:00

It's been a whole month since updating you all!! - how bad is that??! I guess it's just that time flies when you're having so much... fun?

Actually, I've had all the extremes this month from the stress of exams to the relaxation of holidays, from the cold of Christchurch to the tropics of Auckland, from the high of being with family and old friends to the low of having to say goodbyes all over again and, inevitably for me (!!), the high of actually managing to save a holiday budget followed by the low of totally and utterly blowing the holiday budget!! ... who needs food anyway?! The short term goal is to live from morning teas and our weekly College community meals!

Truth be told, I'm in a really good space. The first 6months of training is completed and coming back onto the campus really was like coming home. First of all I actually knew which unit was mine!!. I knew that I would have memos for Africa to sort through so I was prepared with my *big fat* folder in advance and it was wonderful to stop living out of a suitcase *one of many - some might like me to add!*.

I have three rolls of film waiting to be developed so standby for the photo update. Being able to be back at the Factory for a weekend was just like old times and it blessed me hugely. Actually, in hind sight, I think God managed to meet all my needs - even the ones I hadn't realised I needed! I saw old friends and made new ones, lived like an Aucklander briefly and spent hours in cafes with GREAT coffee and in superb, relaxed company. I know I didn't get to see you all but know that you were thought of as I drove around.

Well, in as good a space as I am, I have still come back to the reality of College life with a jolt - rostered duties are back on and so I must away as Special Duties will be calling at 2pm this avo.

Let me leave you with a challenging little something from today's lecturer:

An employee applies themself by choice - officers are appointed.
Officers just need to apply themselves to their appointment.

Ciao!
K.

Photo #6

2005-06-26T21:24:00.000+12:00

Someone stopped me the other day and asked me: "How Maori are you?" ... I'm still not quite sure what to answer to that - other than: "This much!"
Perhaps this answers it for them - these are my great grandparents.
I'll let y'all play 'match the features'!! - The comfy 'hongi' nose doesn't count- it's standard issue!

Life Goes On

2005-06-26T20:09:00.000+12:00

I would love to report that it's been another 'balmy day in windy Wellington' and that I've just got in from a brisk walk that blew out the cobwebs ... but that would be lying!!
I can however, report that it was cold enough to snow in the Wellington region today (snow all over the mountains) and that it was just too cold to be more than 5 feet away from the heater in my cosy little unit on the block!

Life just seems to be passing me by at the rate of knots! The up side to that is it'll be the holidays in no time and I can kiss goodbye to 7am duties for two whole weeks (what a treat!) and get off campus!! - (no offence fellow cadets!) There are just some days when life feels like Ground Hog Day I tell you!

Get up
Shower (anyone who has seen me before 9am will understand why this has to happen before my duties!! - soooo not in my body before this event!)
Duties
On with the uniform
Class
Study
Off with the uniform
Bed

...2 weeks of choosing what to do everyday is beginning to cause excitement beyond words!

My course is going well. We're at the tail end of the first semester so we are snowed under (haha! - where is David White when you need him?!) with assignments and an exam on the way. Most of us live in the library at the moment - not only is it warmer (saving our student budgets precious money!), but we're able to spread out without actually having to rent a desk and come and go as we please. Half the books we need to actually do the work are reference ones so it works well all round really - you only feel like you have no life when you realise that it's 9pm on a Saturday night, the rugby is on and you're just leaving the library!! ... I managed a few cries of "Come on boys!" from the couch shortly after so as not to disappoint my father ... just don't tell him it was in between watching a movie on DVD! - I know the score what more do I need!

Today's service was great. It was the Salvation Army's worldwide Self Denial Appeal where we are challenged to give One Week's Salary On Missionary Service (OWSOMS - or as some English cadets would like to write in their Meeting Lead transcript 'OSSUMS' ...hmmm!). We've had several weeks of watching DVD snippets of some of the work that is going on internationally and then this morning we got the chance to bring a separate offering forward - the amount of families that came forward, prayed and then gave an offering was pretty moving to say the least. If you're not called to missionary service, it's a great way to support it.

Well, this was just to let you know that I haven't suffocated under a pile of books - despite popular opinion! I'm living through life's usual ups and downs, studying all the while. I'm enjoying what most days bring and working at how to cope a little better with the rest! ... and I think of you all often and am looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible while I'm in Auckland.

Let me leave you with some encouragement someone left me a few weeks back:
(Be still those thoughts of 'Context! Context! Context!')

Isaiah 45: 2-3
I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

Ciao!
K.

Oh Man!

2005-06-13T08:00:00.000+12:00

After Saturday night in the library *geek!* it's official - I have no life!

...and that's all I have time for.

Salut mes amis!

2005-06-01T18:44:00.000+12:00

Yes I'm still alive and incredibly sorry for all of you who check so regularly for news! Life has been... busy, shall we say!

Somewhere in the last 2 weeks I managed to add another year to my life officially and a HUGE thank you to all who came out for dinner on the night and to those who sent wee packages - you all made me feel special amidst the chaos. My mantelpiece is currently covered almost from end to end with cards and makes for a nice view in the evenings.

I've had a million and one little things to do and the checklist just seems to be growing as opposed to shrinking... it's like a flashback to my teaching days - just the thought at how that list grows faster than mould is enough to make one shudder! I'm sure that just made all my teaching friends out there think about how long their own list currently is... a thousand apologies! Somehow we get there don't we?!

The highlight of my week would have to have been a message left on my phone by a sweet lady from Telecom NZ who had the closest thing I've ever heard to a real life Lyn of Tawa/full-on Kiwi slang accent in a long time! There's a thought to ponder in itself! We all know how badly we can say 'Fish 'n' Chips' if we're tired! All of a sudden it turns into 'Fosh 'n' chops' complete with high squeak on 'chops'! I was in fits of giggles by the end of the message because at the end of every sentence, the lady's voice went up and did the high squeak thing! - Just try it and you'll see what kept me on the floor for a good while!
*Note - the pitch and squeak are only added on the last syllable of the last word in any given sentence!*
Apparently it's what they think our language will sound like in another 10 years according to a documentary on TV (Monday night a few weeks ago).

For those of you wanting the update on the catwalk, the big day is fast approaching - only 2 weeks away. I chose my outfits this afternoon and don't all die of shock but there are 2 skirts in there somewhere! Other than a few funky accessories and a very cool winter jacket (dusty pink, to the knees, textured and dead cool!) I can't say it was all right up my alley but I've never had 3 shop assitants wait on me hand and foot let alone do all the running around for me! Comes a close second to having your make-up, hair and nails done all in the same day by someone else!

Well, if you're nice and no more tongue-in-cheek comments appear on my blog... yeah on second thoughts, no promises! The big day might just come and go!

Must fly... the rest of the checklist just won't tick itself off! Don't forget me... I love hearing from you all even just the emails from time-to-time.

Á bientôt! ... around July!
(See you soon!)

Catwalk Queen

2005-05-15T21:41:00.000+12:00

I had no idea that the thought of me walking the catwalk would stir you all up so much!! … if I had a digital camera I’d stick it in front of my face and blow you all a big fat raspberry!!

NO – there will not be any video available hence no possible way for you to view this catwalk queen!
NO – I didn’t sleep in (this time!)… I just enjoyed a rather long lunch!! (all-be-it with a funny feeling of, "I think I'm supposed to be somewhere right now!")
NO – I will not perform ‘Blue Steel’… except in the green room (if we get one) in preparation!!
…And can you all just let me forget that I’m supposed to be an organised person when I forget where I’m supposed to be, when and why! – twice only… EVER!! Not bad for very nearly 29 years!

PS – Sisters who squeal on secret home videos (or at least attempt to bribe!) need to beware of photographically inclined siblings with photoshop and a website at their fingertips!!... “h-h-h-h-h-h-a!”

Photo #5

2005-05-15T21:30:00.000+12:00

Home Sweet Home... I miss my little bit of paradise - don't you Andi? The Hutt River (beautiful as it is - don't stone me yet Wellingtonians!) just doesn't cut it some days!

Oh how I long for Summer and the West Coast all over again! - just a little almost-mid-winter blues I suppose...!

http://captkaren.blogspot.com/2005/01/secret-of-west.html