A day in the life of....

As Usual

2009-06-10T07:53:00.003+10:00

I've had this link open for 3 days now, but nothing would really come to mind that I wanted to type.
My life is pretty uneventful at the moment. Since the operation I'm only working part-time which is a bit of a shock to my system. I'm so used to being busy, God has used this time to make me stop and do stocktake.
I find myself tired quite often which makes it hard to keep up with friends or housework. Thankfully, I have some good friends who visit and call me and make me feel loved, and I have a very special Mum who drives almost 3 hours round trip to come and wash/change my bedsheets!

That's all for now....

What was your childhood dream?

2009-06-03T22:06:00.002+10:00

We dream of being different things as we grow up. Our dreams often change and as a teenager we rarely want to be what we wanted when we were just 5.
When I was 5, I wanted to be a fireman and a princess.
When I was 16, I wanted to be a vet. I even did my school work experience at Sydney Uni vet science department.
At 17, I wanted to be a primary teacher. So I did some work experience at my local primary school. The Kindy kids were cute, but not really my scene.

We can dream and plan our lives, but it is often a surprise where God leads us.
I often marvel at how different my life is to what I was expecting.

And People Say I'm a Greek Nerd!

2009-06-03T13:21:00.002+10:00

The One Who Kept Me Sane

2009-05-31T19:32:00.004+10:00

The little girl who kept me sane during the weeks/months of recovery from surgery.

holidays!

2009-01-11T22:59:00.003+11:00

I spent 10 days visiting a friend in NZ. My first holiday all year! And it was amazing. It was great to catch up and see the sights.
Unfortunately she had to work a couple of the days I was there - but I just borrowed the car and went road-tripping around the local area. The pic above is from one of those days. It was a winding road down to the beach without many spots to turn pull off and take pics. So I just looped the camera around my wrist and took pics as I was driving!

holidays!

2008-12-28T03:14:00.002+11:00

As many of you will know, this past year has been manic to say the least.
Somehow I've made it to the end of the year without taking any holidays. But today, I am on holidays - and I'm very excited about it!!!!!
Sleep deprivation might be impacting the clarity of my verbal skills at this point in time, but nothing a good sleep won't fix. I'm blogging from Wellington airport where I've had a nine hour layover in the middle of the night.
I had planned on sleeping in the airport - I mean seriously, after Fiji, Wellington airport aint got nothing I can't handle. But as I was snoozing in arrivals at about 1am I became aware that the airport was shutting down for the night - say what? You mean it isn't like Sydney airport and they don't stay open all night?!
Thankfully the guards took pity on me when I asked if there was somewhere nearby I could go for a few hours and they let me into the cafeteria section of departures where I was able to catch a 2 hour snooze.
I can't believe how busy this place is at 4am!

But here's to being on holidays for the next 9 days.

the issue of cava

2008-12-05T23:51:00.004+11:00

One of the big issues facing the church in Fiji is cava. It is one of those difficult issues where culture and Christianity meet.

It is a mild narcotic drink that is part of the Fijian cultural heritage. It used in welcoming ceremonies (like the one above) and as a general part of life. It is sold 24 hours a day in grog shops and is drunk by many each night. Cava is typically followed by grog sessions which last late into the night. So it isn't the cava in and of itself that is the issue, it is what follows.

Our group experienced its some of its effects first hand. Whilst travelling from Nadi to Suva on a hired bus, we discovered the driver had been out all night on the grog. It wasn't a pleasant trip with several team members having to sit behind and prod him and talk to him during the 7 hour bus ride (that should have taken 5!).

It is an issue that is dividing many of the Fijian churches. Many churches regularly practice the use of cava whilst other groups are raising up against its use.
While we try not to engage in cultural and church politics while we are there, it is easy to see the detrimental effects that cava is having on society - much like alcohol among teens and early twenties here in Australia.

what makes it so....

2008-12-03T22:40:00.002+11:00

A facebook friend (who happens to be a real-life friend too) posed the question on his status - how corrupted by sin can a Christian organisation become before it is no longer Christian?

Good question. What makes an organisation Christian or not?

stop and smell the roses

2008-11-30T21:41:00.002+11:00

Lately I've been wondering why we rush. Earlier this year as part of the Year 13 program, we went on a defensive driving course. We saw first hand the difference that driving 10km faster can make- and it's a big difference when you have an accident. Since then, I've been trying not to rush places. I'm generally an on-time person, in fact I hate being late. So when I am running late, it is easy for me to rush rush rush. But is it really worth it?
So now when I catch myself getting impatient at slow service from a sales assistant, or if someone looks harried, I remind myself - what's the rush? Why not let them go first?
After all, why not stop and smell the roses. Why not enjoy and savor that last mouthful of coffee. Why not get up slightly earlier so that I'm not rushed. And why not stop and take the time to have decent conversations with people instead of thinking that I need to be somewhere else....

those days when we wish it wasn't so

2008-11-29T15:01:00.002+11:00

this post is dedicated to ang - for prompting me to write more......

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to run away? I mean really run away.
I've been pondering life and where it might take me. What would it be like to pack up and move overseas? Or to just walk out one day and never come back. But then I wonder if that's running away and won't really solve any of the problems that one might be running from. In fact, those problems will probably be there in that place wherever you might run to.

Lately I want to run away from it all. But the very thing that I want to run away from the most, will come with me everywhere I run.
Besides that baggage that each one of us carries, I'm talking about my arm. There are days I feel like it would be more comfortable to rip it off - today is one of those days.

Fiji Shots

2008-11-11T13:48:00.003+11:00

Fiji First Impressions

2008-08-16T16:16:00.004+10:00

It was an early start. We were easily identifiable, 40 people walking around Sydney airport in blue Year 13 in Fiji T-Shirts at 5:45am.

Meet Wallace Wanawong, he's the one in the photo with a hat on. Wallace had many adventures in Fiji and even has his own facebook page!!

After a pretty non-eventful but excitement filled flight we stepped into the humidity of Fiji. I was overwhelmed with the warmth and moisture. You start dripping the moment you step out of the plan onto the tarmac.

And then we headed into customs....

9 days to go...

2008-07-15T16:13:00.002+10:00

There are nine days to go until we arrive home. Our time in Fiji has been wananavu (awesome in Fijian).
There are so many sights, sounds, smells and experiences that I want to share. I have kept a journal (but am slightly behind). There has been so much to absorb and try to understand.
I have had minimal internet access, but you know what - I haven't missed it!!
(hard as it might be to believe that)

We are back in Suva and getting ready to head into some days of getting into the schools to tell them about Jesus. I love the fact that in this country you can talk religion within 2 minutes of meeting someone.

Pray for us in our last week. For the people of Fiji - that many of them might come to know the living and loving and true God. For patience as people feel homesick and we live in close close quarters. For opportunities to share the good news of Jesus. For safe travel as we head home. For our re-entry into a first world western culture.

Getting ready to go

2008-06-24T10:39:00.002+10:00

In 2 short days I leave with Year 13 for Fiji. We are going there for a month, on a short term mission. We will be involved in building orphanages, churches, evangelism, kids clubs, youth leadership conferences and school ministry.

Around 2 weeks ago, I was struck with nerves. How will I cope with 36 teenagers for a month? What about eating curry 3 meals a day? Do I really have to wear an ankle length skirt for the most part?
All these questions going around in my head and more. As I was driving to church 2 weeks ago, my heart was racing - anxiety had hit. Although I knew I was anxious about leaving, I couldn't put my finger on exactly what was bothering me. So I started praying.
I knew that God wanted me to cast my anxieties upon him.

And that was when it hit....

It isn't about me!

This trip - it isn't about me. It's not about how I'm going to cope with curry 3 meals a day or even about what I'm going to wear - It's about God!

irratic at best

2008-06-18T09:44:00.002+10:00

and it is only 8 days til I leave for Fiji.

Year 13 Fiji Launch Night

2008-04-21T17:25:00.002+10:00

We'd love you to be there!

thankful

2008-04-21T00:45:00.003+10:00

Tonight I am thankful that there were no serious injuries.

Around 5:25pm I got a call from some of our Year 13 students who were on the road coming back from WROK. They had been involved in a collision on the M5/M7 motorway. The car is probably written-off. But thankfully the 3 students in the car are ok.

In 8 hours Year 13 heads off down to the beautiful Waterslea for 4 days of lectures. We return on Thursday for our Fiji mission launch night -- We'd love you to come and support our launch, please let me know if you'd like some details (I've been trying to upload the flier but it won't work for me).

But for now, my thankful self is going to go pack and then get some sleep.

To live alone or not to live alone?

2008-04-19T07:56:00.003+10:00

This is the question that I am currently thinking about. As a single person the question must be asked - do I live alone? or do I share-house/flat with someone?

For the last 4 years I have lived 'in community', with the last 12 months being by myself in a flat (whilst still being 'in community'). I was alone but not alone.
And I loved it. I loved that there were people around that I could spend time with and be. (I'm not denying that it was hard to get used to the 4 years of fish-bowl living!!)
But I have moved away from that 'community' and landed in a completely foreign part of Sydney where I don't know anyone or anything.

And so the question is raised: Do I share or live alone? (obviously mainly applicable to the single adult person)

For all the hype of having 'alone time' or 'personal space' (of which I am largely guilty) I wonder whether this promotes a selfish and self-centred attitude to life.
Sure, there are difficult things about flatting with someone, but I think living with someone can make you a more gracious and understanding person.

Does living alone make you more selfish?

We were created relational but individuality is a prize of modern culture.
I wonder what the connection is between the individualistic push of society and the independant push of humanity from God - that is sin.

the obsession continues

2008-03-20T12:20:00.002+11:00

Today I dropped into my former place of study and bought more books! So my obsession with buying pretty books continues.

The job is going well. I love it. I think it is the best job in the world. It is a great honor and blessing to be doing what I am doing.

(note to self - I must change profile blurb)
(note to self - I must post what I am doing this year for work)

I'm back!

2008-03-04T14:18:00.002+11:00

Sabbatical is over and I am back in the world of blogging!

I have been meaning to break my fast with this world for a few weeks now, but some gentle reminders from a few friends helped me on my way.

One could either say that there is too much to write, or nothing at all.

But I can sum up my world in the word change.

My Latte Boys and Girls

2007-11-13T10:16:00.000+11:00

A friend sent me this video this morning...

It made me chuckle. It captures so much of my life right now.
Most times I walk into UB's, I'll order a double. But out comes a triple.

It won't be long until I move away. I'll miss the boys and girls at UB's. Where am I going to find a cafe like it?

Always look on the bright side of life? Towards a Pauline Ethic of Contentment with Special Reference to Singleness

2007-11-08T10:37:00.001+11:00

Although I think my thoughts on this topic will never be complete, I am pleased to say that my project is well and truly submitted.
Many of you who follow this blog will realise that this has been an ongoing theme for the last 2.5 years. So to actually get it done (including a major rewrite of 8000 words in the week before it was due), is very exciting.

Overall I am happy with it, of course there are several sections that I would rewrite if I had the chance, but I am determined not to look at it until the exams are over. No surprises, but I did end up pushing a few boundaries of the stereotypical understanding of sex and marriage in today's culture.

I think the most exciting thing is that the practical implications of this topic have already been evident not only in my life, but also in the way I have been able to share with others.

--
2 exams away from exiting....

procrastination and plans

2007-10-15T02:57:00.000+10:00

It is 3am and I am writing my Old Testament essay due tomorrow on Atonement and Justification in Zechariah.
So I thought I'd give my brain a little break by sharing my news about plans for next year. Whilst some of you out there may already know these, it is only in the past week that I have received all the official bits of paper making my position official.

I am excited to share with you that next year (God-willing I will graduate) I will be working with Youthworks.
This role has a couple of different aspects. 2 days a week it is with the training division doing regional youth advising, and 3 days a week with the year 13 gospel gap year program.

It has been the source of much distraction. I am stoked, and can't wait to get into it, but at the same time I need to focus on getting through this year!!
So on that note, back to writing words.....

half way home

2007-10-06T00:00:00.000+10:00

so I reached the 7000 word mark for my project during the week. There are several sections that need a serious reworking, but I am feeling better about where it is at than what I was this time last week (which can only be a good thing).
So, halfway there, only another 8000 or so words to go.

It has gone on the back-burner for the next 5 days as my old testament presentation and essay are due next week.

Nothing much else to report, deadlines are pretty much all consuming at this time!

--
PS - you may notice some updated links to the right, check em out

hope, joy and contentment

2007-10-02T16:30:00.000+10:00

I am writing the 3rd chapter of my project at the moment. It is on contentment and eschatology.
It is taking shape quite nicely and I hope to write several thousand words tonight (maybe doubtful seeing as I only got 3 hours sleep last night, but I say aim high).
My first chapter is almost finalised, while the second chapter is what I call a dismal attempt at writing (anyone out there interested in Stoic philosophy and want to proof it for me?), but hopefully this chapter will cheer me up a little, after all, this is where I get to talk about Jesus!

--
4594/15000

boys club, women bishops and stained glass ceilings...

2007-10-02T02:46:00.000+10:00

If you didn't catch Saturday's Sydney Morning Herald, there was an article on the front page regarding the consecrating of women as bishops. Rather than re-hash the article, go read it here.

In my four years at college and in my visits to various churches, the question over the role of women in ministry is probably the one which is raised most often to me as a women studying theology and as a women who is intending on pursuing full-time ministry. The question over women preaching, to leading services, whether they should study at college, to whether they should be ordained with oversight of a parish.

So once again I was asked what my take was on Saturday's article and in particular, what my position was on Archbishop Jensen's comments. While responding, it has given me cause to reflect on a few things.

In some ways, there is a boys club mentality to college. While boys only events are right and proper in their place, the same as youth events, or women's events, etc, a boys club mentality can make it difficult for a women studying at college and in ministry.

In a class that is 50 men and 6 women, it is the blokes who are my peers, the ones I have studied alongside for 4 years, the ones who I will be in full-time ministry alongside. And these are also the ones who have locations and social events dedicated for them alone. It can hurt when one of your peers pulls the boys club card on you. It can make you question if they really see you as a peer.

As for the women at college. They are great. I have had the intense joy of getting to know many wives. But there is also a vast difference between us. There are many events and bible study groups for all women to get involved in during their time at college, but there are also events that are only for wives, events that the women students do not fit into the category.

So who are my peers?

In some ways, there is an exclusion from both categories, and an inclusion into both. While this can have some great benefits or crossing boundaries, it can also be isolating. I wonder if the seeking out of peers that is a contributing factor in the push for women's ordination?

end of an era

2007-09-26T21:16:00.000+10:00

While I am bunkered away, lost and buried in my own concerns about getting this project done, life goes on.

14 years ago I went on a car trip with my mother. In the outer suburbs of Sydney we bought and brought home a Jack Russel cross. At the sweet tender age of 14, I had convinced my parents that it would be a good idea for me to buy a dog for my family for Christmas.

Wood-Dog is sick. He had a pretty major operation a couple of weeks ago to remove the cancer in his leg, but the vet thinks that it had already spread to his liver and other internal organs.
That's one of the things that I've found the hardest about coming to college - leaving my pets in the care of my family. While I was able to bring my fish Moe and Joe, poor Wood-Dog has to stay at my parents house.
Mum rang to tell me that he had taken a turn for the worst. It was family roast night, so she prepared a mini-roast for him. He rallied enough to eat his roast, but things aren't looking all that good.

I just hope he doesn't die before I get back to say goodbye.

Wood-Dog, while you look like a Dingo, you've been a good pup. I'll miss ya.

writer's block

2007-09-20T08:59:00.000+10:00

the words
where are they?
deadlines loom
each day closer
straws of inspiration
grasped at the door
books piled high
notes out the window
float down the street
the cry for help
a librarian answers
is more books the answer?

--
Project: 3258/15000

September Slump

2007-09-06T19:17:00.001+10:00

I fell into September slump a few days early this year. It is the time of year when I want to have a break, but there is a grim realisation that there isn't going to be one. I think it came early this year because I have been thinking about what I will be doing next year. I have been going to job interviews etc. It makes me want to be there now and frustrated with still being a student. 4 years is a long time when you don't like sitting still!

It is hard to believe that I am even feeling over my project. That's right, I am struggling to be content in my research of contentment.

So even though I didn't get the draft of my project done for today's due date, I am taking the weekend off in the hopes that I will come back refreshed ready to write many thousands of words.

That's right, I'm outta Sydney for the APEC weekend. I drive to Newcastle tonight, then fly up to Brisbane tomorrow and I'll be back on Monday.

Here's to a relaxing weekend.

favourite sayings #2

2007-09-01T23:10:00.000+10:00

Did you hear the news?
He's coming back you know!

Now I know there are a fair few people around at college who hear me saying this the night before an exam or when a piece of assessment is due and may think that I am all jest when I repeat this to myself (or anyone within earshot). But really, I do say it with a seriousness!!

Firstly, it reminds me of the urgency of sharing the good news about Jesus. If He comes back tonight, I want to make sure I tell everyone I meet between now and then about Him.

And secondly, no matter how bad life gets, it's gonna be better when He comes back!!

Issues in Theology

2007-08-21T00:41:00.000+10:00

One of the subjects that we get to study in 4th year is called Issues in Theology. And as the name would suggest, we discuss issues in theology. Last Friday it was my turn (hence the radio silence).

I looked at the nature of forgiveness and repentance in human relationships. (in other words, do we have to forgive someone if they don't repent?) While I am told that it is quite a common topic to look at, that is precisely why I wanted to look at it, as it seems there isn't a great deal of consensus when coming to an answer.

So do we? Is there forgiveness without repentance in our human relationships?

Living out Scripture meme

2007-08-19T14:01:00.000+10:00

I've been tagged by Mandy to post "that verse or story of scripture which is important to you, which you find yourself re-visiting time after time".

The verses that I find myself coming back to time and time again are the opening verses of Hebrews.

Hebrews 1:1-3

1- In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2- but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3- The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

is singleness a result of the fall?

2007-08-01T16:47:00.001+10:00

forwards looking back

2007-08-01T00:10:00.000+10:00

As I think about next year, I can't help but think back. Think back about jobs that I have held in the past.

David Jones sales assistant
Manly Daily paper run (this one enabled me to run a car throughout year 12 at high school)
Squash Center clerk/maintenance/sales/book-keeper/odd-jobs person
Office junior in a bank
Wendy's ice cream girl
Data entry chick for Medicare
Kitchen-hand in a cafe
Office work for the Board of Studies
Liaison work for the Department of Education
Catering manager - aka cookie
Campsite work
Youth and Children's worker
Short order cook in a cafe

I look back with fond memories and great cheer at what is to come. I must say, I really don't miss working as a kitchen-hand or doing data entry.

So what does God have planned next? (other than those assignments due in the next few weeks!)

What is eldership?

2007-07-27T11:09:00.001+10:00

this question has been swirling around in my brain since our intensive last week.

What is eldership?
What does it look like?
Who is an elder?

something that I want to mull over in the coming weeks.

--
right now my brain power goes back to studying for that Church History exam of doom this afternoon.

favourite saying #1

2007-07-26T08:36:00.000+10:00

We all have particular ways of saying things. We might have a phrase or intonation or even the way we are silent in a conversation. If you have ever spent the day with me you will know my peculiarities.

My first habitual saying entered into my mainstream vocab around 2 years ago. MPJ was lecturing Doctrine 2 on the Person and Work of Christ. And I had the realisation that it really is all about Jesus. It wasn't a new revelation, but a slap in the face reminder.

It's all about Jesus. There's rarely a day go by that I don't think it or say it.
I look and think and reflect and watch life go by and I remember that it is all about Jesus.

And so when I had my exam on Tuesday and people asked me how it went, I have been able to answer 'It's all about Jesus' -- (besides, the exam was Christology, so how could it not be all about Jesus)

the long awaited list....

2007-07-23T14:34:00.000+10:00

so the job list came out today. So there is the usual tension floating around college at the moment.
I'm still in the stress-less vibe. I figure God has sustained each one of us through 3 or 4 years of study, he brought us to college in the first place, and he surely has a plan for each one of us.

meh

--
ok, so maybe I am not completely honest when I write that I am in the stress-less vibe, I am a little (or maybe a bit) stressed about my exam tomorrow....

Exams.....

2007-07-18T14:23:00.000+10:00

My exam dates have been set. They are next Tuesday and Friday afternoons. I'll be glad when they are done. I was frustrated when I was struck down by the flu which was going around and wasn't able to sit them. I was actually feeling prepared for once!!
So come the end of next week, I will be in my final semester of studies - woo hoo!

High Tea

2007-07-08T13:37:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I spoke at a Jane Austen style High Tea for St Tomas' North Sydney. I got to speak on Contentment and it was a great encouragement to me. I found I was quite nervous during my prep as I am so used to giving talks at youth events rather than women's events. But I was reminded of God's goodness and grace.
It was great to be able to put down on paper and formulate some of my project thoughts into a talk rather than into a chapter for marking.

Contentment
God is good
God is in control
Trust God

resume and jobs

2007-07-01T01:15:00.000+10:00

So I am currently typing up my resume to send in to MT&D so they can distribute it to the appropriate people. -- Well, I am hoping that mine will make it onto the CD seeing as it was meant to be in on Friday and here I am on a Sunday morning typing it -- oops!
MT&D sent us a proforma to fill out and I have come to the section which talks about 'other personal information' such as Interests, Skills and Long Term Plan.

I was thinking of filling it out a little like this....

Interests: Telling people about Jesus
Skills: Telling people about Jesus
Long Term Plan: To tell people about Jesus

but I'm thinking they may want some additional information.
I think it sums me up....

Can contentment legitimately be applied to relational aspects of life?

2007-06-28T18:15:00.000+10:00

In the last week of term I had to turn in the first chapter of my project and this is the question that I was investigating.
I have been doing exegetical work on the passages in which Paul uses the word contentment (Phil 4:11, 2 Cor 9:8 & 1 Tim 6:6).

And one of the questions arose in my mind was the fact that in each context, Paul writes of contentment in financial or material matters.

Can or should we apply a framework of contentment to areas outside of material matters?
This is where I am focusing my current work and thoughts.

--
I've been making multi-layered/flavoured jelly this afternoon

a fresh view

2007-06-27T22:53:00.000+10:00

today was exciting with two trips into the outdoors and some real food
i went and saw the boys at UB's
ordered a pot of soy chai
it is stil a little hard to believe that I have gone over a week without coffee
just wondering how long that will keep up
you know you are a regular at a coffee shop when the barista offers to lend you money from the till

I'm hoping my attention span returns soon
I am thinking about the talk I am meant to be giving at a women's event next week
I hope my voice returns from gravel
the talk topic is Contentment
so at least the talk will make use of my project

one of the outings was to see a speech therapist
she gave me some exercises
there was a little concern
I am hoping to get in to see the a specialist without too much of a wait

my mind is that of a goldfish

a one month absence.....

2007-06-25T22:58:00.000+10:00

one would think that given that I have pretty much been housebound for almost a week with no pressing deadlines that I would have gotten around to this sooner.

the last month has been hectic moving from one deadline to the next and then to top it off I was struck down with illness during stuvac and exams. this means that while many of my friends have been studying, I have been sleeping and now as they finish, I have the pain of sitting them yet to come.

one fun thing that happened in the last month is that I have a new toy. I was given a scholarship to buy a new computer. I must confess: I have switched to mac. it is great and I have been having some fun on it (writing assignments). the down side to having a new computer is that I haven't transferred all of my files over (including pictures etc).

now I return to my bowl of jelly

Mission Day 8 (Part I)- A Big Hole

2007-05-26T00:00:00.000+10:00

Friday morning the team headed out to the mine for a tour....

a big hole

big fashion statement

BIG

big trucks, roads and machinery
big environmental impact

did i mention big trucks?

(A disassembled mining truck on the back of a semi-trailer should give you an idea of the size of the machinery used. This shot was taken on the way back from Karijini National Park on the Monday - all other shots are from the Friday morning mine tour. The truck had a police escort and took up both lanes of the freeway.)

Mission Day 7 - High School and Chinese Food

2007-05-24T16:24:00.000+10:00

A Red Goanna photographed at Karijini National Park.

Thursday filled me with some excitement and also trepidation. We were heading into the high school for the day.

I had hung out with some of the teenagers throughout the week which was good. It meant that by the time Thursday rolled around, I knew a few of the kids who would be there.
I had some trepidation because we were under quite strict guidelines about what we could and couldn't do and say. In NSW we are truly blessed that we are able to go in to schools and teach about the good news of Jesus. In WA (much like many other states in Oz), we were only granted entry into the school if we agreed to teach on certain things. We were teaching on the meaning of Easter. We weren't allowed to pray or lead in prayer or make any attempt to call for a response.
I MC'd with one of the guys and shared my story about what Easter has meant for me and how it has changed my life. I struggled with the restrictions as I would normally call for a response. But it made me appreciate all the more what a privilege and opportunity it is to share the gospel with teenagers.

We had been warned that the high schoolers were a pretty rowdy bunch and were often rude and don't listen. The minister of the church we were on mission with is also the chaplain at the school. He said that he had been to events where the kids talked throughout the entire program. All in all, I have to say that they were pretty good. In fact I was amazed.

But the most amazing thing was God reminding me that it is his work, not mine. By the time the third seminar group had rolled around, I was feeling on a bit of a roll. But the group wasn't all that responsive. In fact as I was speaking there were a group of girls in the front row who spent most of the time giggling and whispering. Needless to say, I walked away from that seminar feeling a little flat.
We were due to have a lunch break before the last group.
As I was trudging along to get some lunch one of the guys on team came up to me and said: "how good was that"
I said: "yeah, it was ok. how was your discussion group" (we broke them up into discussion groups after the talk)
He said: "one of the girls in my group said to me: 'I really believe now. I'd heard the stories before, but I'd never really believed, and that girl spoke about it like it is real. I think I really believe it now"

How humbling. We can walk along thinking and planning and making sure everything is perfect, but it surely is in our weaknesses that God is working.

We got through the day and later that night a few of us went to the Chinese Takeaway for dinner. The food was great (albeit a tad expensive like everything in Newman). But it was a highly amusing evening. I think it is the only time I have eaten Chinese out and not been able to get chopsticks and was served chinese tea in coffee mugs!!

This lovely meal was supplemented by some extra protein consumed today and was followed by a trip to the Purple Pub AKA Animal Bar. It was more mellow than expected. One of the boys consumed a beverage by the name of Emu Bitter (I wasn't game) and Chookie had an amusing experience trying to find the mens room. Three different guys sent him on a wild goose chase which landed him standing outside of the ladies!

--
Fly Count: 4

Mission Day 6 - Guns and Girls

2007-05-20T15:30:00.000+10:00

Wednesday of mission and we are past the midpoint.

The Bishop came and spent the morning with us. He talked to the team about ministry in the North West. I can see the desperate need for people to minister in the diocese of North West Western Australia. I also see how there is very little chance that it would be someone like me who would be the one to go there. I can see the need, but I also learned that 90% of churches cannot even afford a minister, let alone think about putting a woman on staff. Their are places for co-workers or tent makers, but seeing as I don't have a teaching degree or such, it is unlikely that there would ever be a need for someone like me. (although Big Bazza was trying to convince me that he could get me a job in the mine given my previous history of working in education and training of apprentices)

All in all, a an educational morning.
We spent the rest of the day either in prep for the high school seminar the next day, or the primary club that arvo.
I spent the arvo giving out helium balloons at the shopping centre (the shopping centre consisted of a woolies, rockmans, chemist and a chinese takeaway!) and talking to people. It's amazing how many big burly mining men were willing to take a helium balloon and have a chat. It was heaps of fun, and I got to invite lots of them to the shooting later on the day.

So right on dusk half the team headed out to the gun club (on Gun Club Road) and went clay target pigeon shooting.

It was a heap of fun. My instructor told me I was a natural with a shotgun. I don't know whether that is something I should be pleased or disturbed about.

Education for life or Permanent Scarring?

2007-05-15T20:29:00.000+10:00

I interrupt my regular updates on mission to bring you a moment from my day.

Every Tuesday night college has a dinner. There is a creche provided for the students attending dinner. Other students are rostered on to help out at this. Tonight was my turn to help out.

Picture this:
within minutes of parents signing their kids in, they start screaming. A room with around 20 or so toddlers and 4 adults (me and 3 guys). I return one of the kids even before the dinner had started as he was so distressed. I return to find another kid screaming. One of the blokes hands toddler N to me after he had been screaming for about 20 minutes. It takes around 10 minutes (quite possibly one of the longest 10 mins of my life) to settle toddler N. For the next 30 minutes, every time I try to move from sitting with him on the ground he starts screaming again. By this time, IronOrr and I were anxiously awaiting 7pm and the parents return - but it was only 6:30.

So I'm sitting there quite happy to wait the next 30 mins out - just as long as toddler Boy N didn't start screaming non-stop again (he kept crying intermittently every 2 minutes).

WHEN, toddler Girl A and Girl B walked up to the bloke next to me and announced that they both needed to do poos. The blokes look at me and say: "you're the only girl, its your job" to which I replied: "I'm sorry, but I don't do toileting, we can get their parents".
Toddler A looked up at me and said: "I really need to go poo-poo. --- NOW"

So carrying toddler N, still upset every time I moved, I took A and B to the bathroom.
Having never participated in a child's toileting before this time, Toddler Girl A gave me instructions as to what I was meant to do (ie, hold door shut, get toilet paper for them and help wash hands)
Thankfully one of the blokes who has kids had told me that if they are old enough to go to the toilet they don't need you to wipe - phew!!!

But here I am standing in the bathroom, on one foot, holding N on hip with one hand, holding one door closed with one hand, whilst holding the door next to it closed with my foot.
I get them both flushed and washed and return them to creche, only to have toddler girl AS tell me that she also needed to do a poo - arrrgggghhhhh - Lord help me!
I got her fixed up and returned. Toddler N's dad had been found and relieved me of this burden.

Almost immediately, toddler girl Am started screaming, so rocking and patting her back, we starting singing nursery songs which eventually soothed her.

7pm came - finally!
parents arrived, and I almost start crying.

There is a reason why I want to do youth ministry and not children's ministry.
I never thought the day would be here so soon when I would have to deal with another person's poop.

Mission Day 5 - Yellow School

2007-05-14T18:01:00.000+10:00

There are two primary schools in Newman - yellow school and green school. For the life of me, I can't remember what their real names were (probably Newman South and East or something like that). They get their common use name from the colour of their T-Shirts.
Apparently there is a bit of tension and jibing that occurs between the students at these schools. At kids church on the first Sunday, one of the team members described the kids' interaction a little like the Jets and Sharks from West Side Story!

Tuesday morning we went into the yellow school to explain the true meaning of Easter. It was a blast. And from all records it was the first time that there has been any Christian input into the school since it was founded.

I wasn't directly involved in the running of the program, but the whole team got to go along. I had some good conversations with some of the teachers and staff at the school. It was so encouraging to speak to people who are so open to hearing about the church and what it was doing.

Tuesday night we had a dialogue meeting at the church. I was roped in to be on the panel. IronOrr gave a talk about heaven and then the floor was opened up for questions. It it not an area that I have had a particular amount of experience in and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed being on the panel and answering questions.

God has been very gracious to me this week.

--
Fly Count: still 2 (no extra protein consumed today!)

Mission Day 4 - Swimming & Night Clubs

2007-05-10T18:24:00.000+10:00

Monday was our team day off. Some people from the church packed us into 4WD's and we headed on a 2 hour drive to Karijini National Park.
We walked down a gorge and went swimming in Circular Pool and Fern Pool. It was beautiful, amazing and relaxing.

We got back late afternoon and some of us headed out to the youth event that was planned for that evening. I was speaking at it. It is the first (and will probably be the only) time that I have given a talk in a night club.
There were some awesome conversations had with the youth. I was struck by the lack of inspiration or drive from the youth. Many can't see their way past ever living in a mining town. And I can understand why. I mean, why bother going to uni when you can get a job driving a truck for 100k a year.

It also hit me how they long for relationships. Their parents are often working ridiculous shifts and hours. So much so that they often go days without seeing them.
I spoke of God's love for them and his longing to have a relationship with them.

My heart breaks for the struggles that many of them are facing.

--
Fly Count: 2

Mission Day 3 - Sunday Services

2007-05-09T17:13:00.000+10:00

I was rebuked!
I have been involved in music at church for years. And I have always felt the tension between wanting it to sound good and realising that it isn't a performance.

Don't get me wrong. I do think that we should always strive to do our best in what ever way we are serving God, but there is also a point which can be stepped over when it comes to shifting the focus away from glorifying God and onto ourselves.

Basically some of us joined with some people at the church and we helped out with the music on Sunday morning. At the time I thought it sounded ok, but not particularly extraordinary. So when I overheard several people comment on how fab the music was after the service I was rebuked about my attitude toward music.

I love singing and making music, and it has been a great encouragement to me to be reminded again about the focus that music (and anything we do at church) should have.

So Sunday morning was a rebuke and Sunday evening was an eye-opener.

Sunday evening we went to the Martu church. There are two main Indigenous people groups who live locally and the Martu (pronounced Mardu) are one of those two groups. Talking with some of the Martu people over the week were certainly one of the highlights of this mission trip.

Martu church was very different to any church service that I have been to in Sydney to say the least!!(singing time at the Martu Church - the smoke at the top of the pic is from the BBQ which was fired up just behind me)

I had some great conversations with some of the kids and while many of the adults didn't open up that night, being there was an opener for when I saw them later in the week.

The people who are ministering in Newman are doing an amazing job. I praise God for BCA and their commitment to sending people out to preach the good news about Jesus.

Mission Day 2 - Prepping around

2007-05-08T18:56:00.000+10:00

(KC and Ton Ton preparing the memory verse for Kids Church)

Saturday morning we woke up and the time change kicked in. It was great thinking that we'd had a 2 hour sleep in (not so great this week). The first thing I noticed as KC and I walked to the church from our billets was the heat - and the flies. The Auzzie salute came out in full force over the week. I learnt pretty quickly that you can't really walk with your mouth open or talk while you are walking - I swallowed a fly!!

We spent most of the day prepping things for the week to come.
During the week there was a great deal of helium balloons which lead to a variety of entertaining moments.

One of the highlights of the week was getting to know the members of the team that previously I hadn't had much to do with.

Saturday evening saw KC and I back at our billets house. We went next door and met the neighbours. They had prepared some traditional Thai dishes and it was delicious. KC and I tried to engage in some conversations but it was a little random.
We did however learn some interesting things about living in a mining town which is pretty much run by 1 or 2 major companies.

Fell preparing me a soy coffee (a very important part of the day!)
--
Fly Count: 1

Mission Day 1 - First Impressions

2007-05-08T00:14:00.000+10:00

Leaving Sydney airport we had 2 flights. Sydney/Perth, then Perth/Newman and we arrived.

The first thing that struck me as we got out of the plane and walked down the tarmac was the heat. Sydney was cold when we left, so were the planes and our time in Perth airport. Walking across to the Newman terminal saw most of the team taking off protective layers of warmth.

Feeling slightly overwhelmed and very excited about the week ahead we went to baggage collection. I wonder what they do when it rains? This little shuttle cart brought our bags out to the roadside where we picked our bags off the back.

There were so many things out of what I was used to but that was my main reason for wanting to go on this mission.
As we stood by the road waiting for our luggage to be unpacked from the plane, there was something else that was strikingly different. It wasn't the red dust, the heat or the time difference. As I looked into the carpark there was a complete lack of cars other than 4WD's or Utes. Work cars - definitely not city 4WD's. But an intriguing feature on these rows and rows of 4WD's was that they all had a 3m pole with a little orange flag and beacon atop. They looked like rows of giant remote controlled cars.

I was to find out later that these flags and beacons are to help prevent the cars being run over by the mine trucks which because of their size have an extremely large blindspot.

--
giant is an apt way to describe much of life in Newman.
More posts to come.

back from the west

2007-05-07T10:50:00.000+10:00

I'm back. Tired and weary but encouraged. We arrived back on the red eye this morning. I don't fly particularly well so I didn't sleep on the Perth/Sydney leg of the journey. But that doesn't matter as I am back now, and it is time once again to hit the books.

Newman is remote and this pic captures just a small portion of that. The two nearest towns are Port Hedland (452km away) and Meekatharra (417km away). Some of the boys on team drove to Hedland and back on Saturday for one reason or another. Between Newman and Hedland they only saw one building - a roadhouse.

More updates and pics to come but sleep beckons.

arrivals, departures and hello

2007-04-27T18:20:00.000+10:00

I have arrived in Perth airport. Our flight to Newman has been delayed. We await our departure in the little plane.
There has been much gaming and fun to be had on the flight (and boring movies). Some interesting conversations, but all in all, it felt like a long time.

We are 2 hours behind Sydney time over here. I didn't get to sleep at all on the flight over from Sydney. Let's hope that I can sleep on the next plane trip, or at least it will mean that I can sleep tonight!! (am feeling a little tired from staying up late last night).

Oh and Kizzie Dawg aka Goldy - I got the message from Ton Ton. Hi right back at you.

10 hours, 10 days - College Mission

2007-04-27T01:43:00.000+10:00

In less than 10 hours I will be sitting on an airplane.
This is where I'll be spending the next 10 days.

preparations

2007-04-26T16:49:00.000+10:00

this week:

highlight: discovering floorspace and a vacuum cleaner

lowlight: finding out my chaplain won't be coming on mission with us

highlight: reading greek with RJG

lowlight: the realisation that i didn't recognise some of the greek words in the passages that we were looking at

highlight: using BDAG to find them

lowlight: bizarre sleeping patterns

highlight: leaving for mission on an airplane tomorrow

lowlight: a little concerned about mission

highlight: spending the morning with my mum on ANZAC day

lowlight: arrrggghhh - I haven't packed or washed yet

highlight: going away for 10 days to tell people about Jesus

lowlight: catching a tiny airplane

highlight: being taken out for a Thai lunch today

is my project in danger of being polemical?

2007-04-21T09:19:00.000+10:00

Scene: Dinner Party. Guests and hostess are gathered around the pool table.

Graduate: So what is your project on?
Me: Towards a Pauline Ethic of Contentment with Special Reference to Singleness.
Graduate: *Snickers*
Me: Why are you laughing?
Graduate: No, no, its nothing. (Turns to other 4th year student) So what are you doing your project on?
4th year: (names his historical theological topic)
Graduate: hmmm, interesting. (nods in affirming manner)
Me: So his topic gets the approval, but mine gets laughed at? (grins at him and places hands on hips) Why?
Graduate: It just sounds as though it is in danger of being polemical.

Topic of conversation changes.
--

Me (this morning): *groans with frustration*
Topics that fall into categories other than theology or historical theology (the bulk of projects being done this year) are still worthy of study?
And simply because my project topic has an obvious practical bent doesn't devalue its worth.

So let's think about the definition of polemic for a moment. Check it out one definition here.

Is my project in danger of being polemical?

events

2007-04-20T07:38:00.000+10:00

It has been an event filled couple of days.

I met a nice boy who lives in my apartment block and went on a walk with him. I had some very positive meetings. My apartment block got flooded, leaving me temporarily homeless (only for a few hours). Soy Chai Latte with Jedi Master. Two great conversations with people about what it means to be a Christian. A family dinner, and a battle with peak hour traffic.

Tonight I head to English Lass' new house to have dinner. And tomorrow my mum comes over for a visit (and to help me get my desk area organised). In the mean time, there is much tidying to be done!!

--
note to self: today is Friday and the library is not open at 7:30am

distractions

2007-04-17T19:32:00.000+10:00

sunshine, talking theology, computer games, king st, boys, the grapevine, whatever it may be, it is always better and has a higher priority than cleaning.

tomorrow my thoughts of cleaning get another day off. I head into town for some meetings. One of which is about work for next year.

--
now back to writing some more words....
project word count: 400/15000

strange occurrences

2007-04-15T09:57:00.000+10:00

I woke this morning sure that it was Monday. I even tried to call Jedi Master to see if he wanted to go get coffee. And when my computer told me that it was Sunday, I thought there was something wrong with it and so tried to alter the date and time settings. But now I discover that there is nothing wrong with my computer, just my brain.

2007-04-13T22:42:00.000+10:00

So my friend is getting married tomorrow. She had a hen's night on Monday night which unfortunately I couldn't stick around for the whole evening (Tuesday's essay not being done and all). But in my experience of hen's night, what happened tonight was the most enjoyable hen's night I've been to - and it wasn't a hen's night at all!!

My friend and I met up after I got my hair chopped and went to her parents house. Later we were joined by our group of girlfriends. Eight of us from an old bible study group. We hung out, ate Thai food and talked. Talked about marriage, children and a whole heap of things including contraception and the ethical implications of various products. I was greatly encouraged by how thought through some of the girls (I should say women, but that would make me feel old) were about what method they should use.
It was like old times. Hanging out, having fun. But new. New conversation topics.

It was great and brought much joy to my heart.
tinged with some concern and sadness regarding where some of my friends stand with the Lord.

parcels and haircuts

2007-04-13T10:27:00.000+10:00

This morning I got news that BDAG has arrived! Joy oh joy. Jedi Master ordered it for me a few weeks ago and I have been waiting with anxious expectation ;)
Although I am slightly disturbed about how much its arrival has excited me. I can't wait to get back into town later in the weekend and pick it up.

A good friend of mine is getting married tomorrow. I have decided to splurge and get my hair cut. I decided that I couldn't justify paying for a cut and colour, so I dyed it myself yesterday morning. It is this rad dark blacky violet colour. And I am getting it cut and styled at the hairdressers this arvo. It has been over 3 years since I have paid for a visit to the hairdressers.

I have spent the morning praying that if I'm going to spend $55 getting my hair cut, I do hope that I get to have some quality conversations......
(and that they do a good job as I am always slightly nervous about letting them near me with scissors - hence why I have been cutting my own hair for years)

another one drops into the box

2007-04-10T19:43:00.000+10:00

once again i pulled it off and slipped the essay into the box with time to spare.

now back to sitting on the balcony and admiring the view.

2007-04-10T09:55:00.000+10:00

just cracked the half way mark on words.....
i don't think i've ever cut one this close to the deadline before.
let's hope i can get another 1000 words out in the next 2 hours

1050/2000

a moment from holidays on the central coast earlier this year - I'm hoping it will give me the inspiration to keep going and think of the rest that will come on completion (if only for a day or so)

the gate is open

2007-04-10T02:11:00.000+10:00

and the ball has rolled out.

I finally have an approach for the essay. Some words have been written.
(it would have been really helpful to have had a set question rather than the vague 'write a book review which isn't a book review, but a paper on methodology')

Flow on words, flow on. I know you are trapped in my brain somewhere. Maybe some more coffee will help release them!

118/2000

sunset from my apartment.....

one of my fav things is to sit on the balcony drinking pots of green tea at sunset

2007-04-09T08:58:00.000+10:00

I spent the weekend in the mountains. Listening to talks at KEC and hanging out with friends. We stayed in a beautiful cottage. The gardens were amazing.
I have good friends who spoil me.

refreshed, relaxed, rebuked and encouraged - a wonderful weekend away.

now back to reading and writing.... (2000 words due tomorrow - none written, book that it is based on not read yet)

Week 6

2007-04-05T22:42:00.000+10:00

Has come to a close.

Sermon preached for chick's chapel and exegetical done (I had to do a fair bit of culling).

This week I have been reading various opinions on 1 Tim 2. And as always, I have also been reading on singleness and contentment. I am not sure how it will play out, but there seems to be a link between certain positions on 1 Tim 2 and singleness. I can't exactly put my finger on it yet. It is something for me to ponder and work over in the coming weeks.

Being in 4th year and going on college mission means I get to delegate. The task of speaking at the women's event on mission has gone to one of the 3rd year girls and I get the joy of speaking at the youth event - I can't wait.

Off to the mountains for 2 days with Trinity, Jax and T. I'm hoping it will be a refreshing time. I just wish I didn't have that essay due on Tuesday!!

slight problem

2007-04-01T23:47:00.000+10:00

I've only written on 1 of the 5 verses and my word count is already half used up......

--
edit: 4:45am - way way way over the word limit

2007-03-31T11:49:00.000+10:00

NIV
Psalm 17:1 A prayer of David.
Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer-- it does not rise from deceitful lips.
2 May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.
3 Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
4 As for the deeds of men-- by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.
7 Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings
9 from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.
10 They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.
11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
12 They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a great lion crouching in cover.
13 Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword.
14 O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.
15 And I-- in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

greek messages

2007-03-30T19:13:00.000+10:00

So I just phoned Caro to explain some of my greek exegetical notes to her - but she wasn't there. I found myself leaving a message on her answering machine which rambled on about gender and participles. After I hung up I found myself having a little giggle at the content of the message and wondering what on earth someone would think if they listened to it.

--
Exegetical due Monday - zero words completed
Sermon for Tuesday (now worth 25%) - yet to grasp the focus (topic is faithfulness as a fruit of the Spirit - Gal 5:22)
Chapter 1 due Wednesday - 300/3000 words
Book Review due Easter - zero words (still yet to read the book)

if only i could sit all my assessments and exams by oral examination.....

Is singleness a result of the fall?

2007-03-29T23:34:00.000+10:00

Earlier this week saw my involvement in some discussion about the meaning of 1 Timothy 2:15 - But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. (NIV)

The comment was made to me that there is no inherent goodness in singleness. Yes, Paul says that singleness is good, but that is only because we are in the last days.

I can see where this position is coming from, but surely if it is thought out, then you will conclude that singleness is a result of the fall.
But then I look to the new creation, to our marriage to Christ, and wonder how this can be said in light of God's great faithful plan in salvation history - creation and new creation.

Is singleness a result of the fall?

an intermittent diet

2007-03-28T12:11:00.000+10:00

I am out of routine, my thoughts have been scrambled, pushed and prodded which has resulted in the intermittent diet of posting on this page recently.

I'm loving Christology.
And, shock horror: a love of Church History is well on the way of being formed!

This past week has seen me form and scrap many successive ideas for the topical sermon on faithfulness I am preaching in Chick's Chapel next week. It has at times been frustrating and elusive. But after much hair pulling I think I know how to start and where to take it.

--
3 assessment items due in next 7 days. None complete. But loving 4th year.

single, even if you are married....

2007-03-23T23:10:00.000+11:00

I had another meeting with BSR again today re the project. Things are on target (so far).

We got to discussing 1 Corinthians 7.

A verse which I am left pondering:

This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none - ESV 1 Corinthians 7:29

Single, even if you are married....

--
Amusing quote from the meeting:

BSR: so, are you always this organised?

signed, sealed and sent

2007-03-22T23:37:00.000+11:00

today marked the postage of an envelope.
an A4 envelope, which has been 7 months in the making.
it was a good feeling to drop it into the mailbox and send it away.

The Nature of Trust

2007-03-20T10:28:00.000+11:00

Today marks some thoughts about trust.

Trust is something that is part of a relationship. Not a one-way relationship, but a two-way relationship. It is something that is developed as the relationship grows. It is not bought. Nor bribed.

It means that you are able to rely on the integrity of a person or thing.

How can we trust if trust has been broken? Should we trust if trust has been broken? Or is that plain foolishness?

Graduation - a joful sadness

2007-03-19T23:24:00.000+11:00

Tonight was college graduation. It was an occasion that filled me with joy. To see many friends again and hear about their plans.
But it also was a night which has left me sad. I miss many people who have moved far away from Sydney.
Some I may not see for months or even years. Others I will not see until Jesus returns. But thankfully, some I will see each Sunday for the rest of the year!

In many ways I am jealous. It has again churned up those feelings of wanting to have completed my studies.
But I hold fast to the fact that God knows what he is doing. And I take rest in his goodness.

Saturday Morning Ritual

2007-03-17T17:37:00.000+11:00

Over the past year and a bit, most Saturday mornings have seen me at the Ould's. It was not a planned habit, but one that is certainly enjoyed.

I love going over for breakfast and coffee. But it is more than coffee or food that brings me back each week.
I love talking theology with Dave, fashion and craft with Jacqui, reading with Charis and playing with Ethan.

Over the past week I have been frustrated with being at college and not able to be in parish more than one day. But today, I came to the realisation that when I leave college, it will also mean a change in many of my relationships. And about that, I will be sad.

So no more feeling frustrated about where I am today, or for the rest of the year - it is about making the most of where God has placed me!!

Week 3

2007-03-16T00:11:00.000+11:00

classes (other than chapel tomorrow morning) are over.

I've made a start on my Hebrews exegetical. Project work is going well - I have a file of stuff to read over the weekend and several books on loan.
I even have a lead on where I think I may start for my chick's chapel sermon on faithfulness.
I submitted an Issues in Theology topic.
So things are going along.

I had a slightly more productive day today - had my head in greek texts for 4.5 hours before coming up for a breather and wondered where the time had gone.

Tomorrow I will start reading Always Reforming for that upcoming book review that is due.
Tomorrow I will remember to buy my brother's birthday present.
Tomorrow I will unpack another box.
Tomorrow I will reply to some overdue emails.

struggle with contentment

2007-03-13T12:54:00.000+11:00

Many of my posts over the last week have been tinged with my struggle with contentment. I am struggling to be content with being at college.

Don't get me wrong, I have loved being able to come to college, but what with many of my friends graduating next week, I do wish that I was one of them.

I feel the tension of only being in parish one day a week, and wish it were more.

there is still time

2007-03-12T16:02:00.000+11:00

to make it into next monday night's graduation service
to finish with a Bth
to take up a job this year
to pull out before the fees apply

--
i ponder these things, but know in all reality that i won't make a decision by the end of the week, so i guess it is another 24 weeks and 4 days to go.

the first of many this year

2007-03-12T12:45:00.000+11:00

done
and
done

word count

2007-03-12T11:58:00.001+11:00

Essay 1: 1180/1250
Essay 2: 487/750

update

2007-03-12T00:14:00.000+11:00

Essay 1: 1180/1250
Essay 2: 0/750

the reading is on the way for essay number 2. Methinks it must be close to sleep time.

--
have you ever wondered why the sky is blue and not orange?
or why clouds are called clouds?

word count

2007-03-11T23:38:00.000+11:00

Essay 1: 734/1250
Essay 2: 0/750

(yes, they are both due tomorrow at 4:30pm)

arrggghhh

2007-03-11T08:33:00.000+11:00

essays not written
mum to arrive in 45mins
house is a mess

which one is it?

2007-03-09T19:03:00.000+11:00

cynicism or realism

am i being cynical or am i simply being realistic about the way things are?

either way, the last few days have seemed a little jaded.

so i put it to googlefight. Here's the results.

Week 2 of 27

2007-03-09T13:03:00.000+11:00

Week 2 of the college year draws to a close. I feel little or no inspiration to write the 2 mini essays that are due on Monday. But, I am sure they will be done (at some stage).
The meeting that I was feeling anxious about this morning went well. I was in town a few hours longer than expected as some job possibilities came up and ideas for a topic for my issues in theology paper were discussed.

Current thinking on that topic:
Is forgiveness possible without repentance? ie, a theology of forgiveness
(or something like that)

For church history, I am going to go with the role of evangelical women in first wave feminism. Not really sure where to start with that one.

It feels like snooze time, but I fear that way too much coffee has been consumed for that to happen. Maybe I will head to UB to try and do some work on those essays.

must

find

inspiration

anxiety

2007-03-08T23:52:00.000+11:00

I have been reading a fair bit of Alain de Botton today. He has quite a bit to say about happiness and even contentment. I am hoping to get my hands on his book Status Anxiety. The college library doesn't have a copy, so I might head down to Fisher, or even see if my local has it.

--
as I type this post, I note with some amusement, that I am feeling anxious about a meeting I have to go to in the morning.

where does the time go?

2007-03-08T11:46:00.000+11:00

Although we have a lighter lecture load this year, I am feeling the pinch of time. Much time has been spent in the library, very few morning teas have been attended and the late nights have begun.
I'm grateful for the time set aside in our program for chapel. Although I struggle with alertness during the mornings, they have been grounding me well over the past 2 weeks.

I fear I am fighting off this cold bug which is going round college.

Week 2 begins

2007-03-06T00:09:00.000+11:00

I had my first meeting with BSR re the project. It went well, and I am feeling renewed and encouraged. We talked ideas, goals and methodology. Some tasks have been set to be done in the next 2 weeks, when we meet again.

Meanwhile, NT4 is a great joy to my soul.

Term 1, Week 1

2007-03-03T16:10:00.000+11:00

Is over.

I can't decide on an Issues in Theology topic.

Nor can I work out a Church History essay question.
Although one option was to write about the influence of Australian evangelicals on firstwave feminism.

--realisation that summer is over

project update

2007-03-03T01:21:00.000+11:00

The list is out. Next to my name it says:

Topic: Towards a Pauline Ethic of Contentment, with special reference to Singleness.

Supervisor: BSR

--
This weekend's task: a word study on contentment/self-sufficiency in the Pauline Epistles.

effectual disparity

2007-02-24T11:38:00.000+11:00

Why are single people treated as second class citizens?

I live within 15 minutes of campus. For any married student, this is considered as living within residence. But for me, it is not. (This is just one example of many that I am using to illustrate)

To quote section 5.6 of the handbook (page 72, 2007):
"All single student are expected to reside in College (singles quarters) for the duration of their course."

Later in section 5.6 it says:
"Married students may apply to live in houses on College campuses [...] A minimum of two years residence is normally expected of married students"

Why are there different regulations for married students and single students?

Although I have heard some positive sermons on singleness, church culture does not reflect a positive view.

And how? How is our church culture going to change when our ministers are being trained in an institution that doesn't respect singleness? As people are being trained, there is a subverted message of singleness being taught. No wonder there is an underlying message being taught in church culture - that is, you are not complete until you are married.

Which makes me wonder where this perception has come from. The idea that you are somehow deficient if you are single.

Two thoughts:

It has arisen out of the Reformation
One of the many positive things that the Reformers did was to endorse the goodness of marriage. Once again, marriage could be seen as a valid choice. You no longer need to live a monastic life in order to serve God as had been previously taught.
Reactionary theology has swung this position to the extreme. No longer is singleness viewed as a positive thing. Our church culture has elevated marriage. So much so that I think it is in danger of becoming idolatrous.
I don't want to elevate singleness above marriage, like in the days before the Reformation. But I also don't think that marriage should be elevated above singleness.
Which brings me to my second thought about why our church culture thinks of singles as deficient....
SEX
We live in a non-Christian world which says that sex is where it is at. Having sex and being sexy. All part of the world in which we live in.
The non-Christian world doesn't understand sexual celibacy. When everything in their world tells them that life is about having sex, to have someone refrain from sex outside marriage is baffling.
It is baffling because society equates having sex with being an adult. Adults choose when and who to have sex with. If that choice is taken away it is rape - a most heinous crime.

It is all about choice. Once you can choose to have sex you are considered an adult. So, a single, mid-thirties, Christian is viewed as somehow not being as 'adult' as their married friends the same age. It is as though the ability to have sex with someone is what completes you.

Having sex doesn't complete you. Having a marriage partner doesn't complete you or make you superior to someone who is single. It is easy to look and say "I can see why that person is still single" or "I don't understand why that person hasn't been snatched up yet." It is not about what we do. It is not about whether this person is able to find a partner and that person isn't. God is sovereign. If you are married - God is the one who brought your partner into your life. If you are single - God is the one who is in control.

When will we as a church community have a culture that reflects our biblical teaching on the goodness of singleness? When will we as a college community realise that singles are adult in every way and begin treating them that way?

It is Christ who completes you - not sex, nor a marriage partner, nor work, nor children.

Was Jesus deficient because he was single?

(end rant)

project thoughts

2007-02-20T17:34:00.000+11:00

1. Towards an ethic of contentment with specific application to singleness.

2. Towards a Pauline Ethic of Contentment with special reference to singleness.

choices II

2007-02-19T15:44:00.000+11:00

I've signed off my summer work and enrolled in my subjects for 2007.

Electives decided on:
Christology
Old Testament 4 (English)
Project
Social Ethics (Audit)
Hebrew 2 & 3 (Audit)

official word

2007-02-19T11:54:00.000+11:00

Just got a call from the academic dean - the official word is that my application to do a project has been accepted. On the proviso of a critical review at mid-year.

That works well for me. I work better under pressure.

Heading over to his office now to get all the details.

choices

2007-02-17T22:32:00.000+11:00

(all on the positive assumption that I will be doing a project this year - I really don't think about the other options!!)

Option 1
Semester 1 -
Core - Church History 4, Congregational Ministry 4, New Testament 4, Issues in Theology
Electives - Social Ethics, Christology, Project
Semester 2 -
Core - New Testament 4, Issues in Theology
Electives - Project

Option 2
Semester 1 -
Core - Church History 4, Congregational Ministry 4, New Testament 4, Issues in Theology
Electives - Christology (Audit Social Ethics)
Semester 2 -
Core - New Testament 4, Issues in Theology
Electives - Apologetics or Old Testament 4

--
The electives I had leaned toward were Social Ethics and Christology as these are my strengths. So would prefer option 1. I just don't think that it is the wisest thing to do as it means a ridiculous amount of essays and exams in first semester.

Oh - and I will be studying Hebrew 2 this year.

2 days away

2007-02-17T07:05:00.000+11:00

College rego is only 2 days away and I still haven't decided what subjects to study this year!!

So many options.

Do I have a manic first semester and a nice second? or, do I try and have a balanced year?

Do I do a Doyle subject or run as far from them as possible?

2007-02-15T10:12:00.000+11:00

i feel no hope re approval of a project.

talks, project and dating

2007-02-15T00:35:00.000+11:00

talks are written.
outlines are sent.
only minor tweaking to be done over next couple of days.

application for project is in.
board meets on monday to decide.

date went well.