Commissioning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

...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

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!

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

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!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

I have three things currently before me:

1. My sermon ... soooo not going to write itself! (before you judge me, relax! - it's half finished and been on the boil for weeks!!)
2. Eat some more black forest chocolate ... mmmmmm - currently winning the stakes!
3. 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!

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?!

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?!!

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

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!

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

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

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

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...!