Tired AND Thankful

I thought of this title last evening as I was journeying home on the train from work... This last month or so has seen a huge turn around in my activity level, also my stress level, and it being "that time of year" a tendency to be reflective!

You see, in the second half of November, I started a new job!! I went back to my roots and returned to working as an Occupational Therapist. What's even more remarkable is that the job started as a locum position, but now I find myself promoted to permanent part-time! (Big Thanks pt 1)

As many of you know all year I've been praying, wishing and hoping for a great new job that would be just perfect for me (and I acknowledge that no job is ever going to be "perfect" but I guess I'm thinking best fit). So far I've really been enjoying the work, the workplace, the people, and my financial worries are definitely improving... but I'm so tired!

Now for further reflection...

1. I love Christmas.

I love that it’s our remembrance festival for the fact that Our Father sent his much beloved and only son into our world. That this remarkable man Jesus was willing to live a human life... beginning at helpless birth... and ending in a way no man before or since has achieved. (If you don't know about this story... then you've got to read it, it'll knock your socks off!!)

I love the associated festivities... the decorations, and Australian summer, the excesses of yummy food shared with family and friends, the exchanging of gifts (though I haven't done any shopping this year... just can't face it). The gathering to sing carols, and remember what Christmas is all about.

And I love the sense of hope it brings... the acknowledgement that perhaps life isn't always grand, indeed its sometimes disgustingly difficult, BUT I made it through another year, and I can start the next year fresh... or we hope for a better year next year, or just know that our God is faithful.

He put us here, just like he put his son here. He loves us, and wants the best for us. We know we don't deserve his blessings, but because of who he is (and if we're being thankful, and real about our faith) he too is faithful to the promises he made.

Does that make sense? My life and me are far from perfect... but as I look back I see just how much my God has taken care of me, how many wonderful opportunities he's given me, how every day he gives me what I need to get from waking to sleeping. It's not easy, in fact I'm struggling to think of a year in my life that hasn't had its ups or downs... but that is what makes it so interesting!!

I love my life, and I want to live it to the full, but most of all I want to give glory to my God; so I'm tired and I'm thankful... and I'm praying that God will bring me through and that I can give him glory.

too much to blog... too little time....

I feel like a complete reprobate (and have I even spelt that right?)... I haven't blogged since October... and so much in my life has changed since then that I don't know where to begin.... I promise I'll come back on Friday with fresh updates, and may even manage something interesting!  For now... bed, I need sleep.... good night xo

Don't drink coffee...

After 8pm!!!!

So, I was out with friends this evening, and we had dinner at a cute little place on High St in Northcote and then went to a Chocolatier for our dessert.  I was going to eat chocolates, so I decided to have a coffee... BIG MISTAKE!  I don't normally drink coffee anyway, so who was I fooling!!  Luckily I don't have to be anywhere much tomorrow, so I can sleep in, though my housemates have a nasty habit of turning on the TV (next door to my room) early-ish in the morning.  I'm very anti watching telly in the morning, a good habit taught by my dear Mum (thanks Mum, inane morning TV chat shows are the worst, especially when you're still trying to sleep!!!)

Well, after that we went to our musical comedy gig at the NSC.  So love that venue, its my second visit in six days... Once again we skipped the support act.  It was a spoken word artist this time.  I wouldn't have minded catching it, but I was strongly outvoted, hence the coffee mistake!  Should have had a hot chocolate and the lemon tart!

Ahhhh well, we live and well, sometimes learn! ;)

Meme... well I was bored...

1. Where is your cell phone?  somewhere on my bed, I'm ignoring it!!
2. Where is your significant other? in my imagination 
3.Your hair color?  mid-dark brown/auburn
4.Your mother?  Everyone except her says we're alike ;)
5. Your father?  Mum thinks we're very alike! ;)  (I think they're both champs!)
6. Your favorite thing? currently? My bed!
7. Your dream last night? don't remember
8. Your dream/goal?  To live overseas, and be in full-time ministry

9. The room you're in? bedroom

10. Your hobby? writing & singing

11. Your fear?  of being forgotten
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?  Europe
13. Where were you last night?  Home (in Heidelberg)
14. What you're not?  boring
15. One of your wish-list items?  a new digital camera
16. Where you grew up?  Melbourne & Adelaide
17. The last thing you did?  drank a ginger/pine drink... now I need to do something else!
18. What are you wearing? jeans & a tee
19. Your TV?  I'm discovering the joys of VOD
20. Your pets?  we want chickens & a goat
21. Your computer?  Lifebook (well, that's the brand & it is a bit of a lifeline!)
22. Your mood?  mmm, I'll get back to you on that one
23. Missing someone? my parentals
24. Your car?  I'm still driving my first car around, she's a little blue hatchback and she's called             Betty - we've done a lot of miles together...
25. Something you're not wearing? a bra 
26. Favorite store? David Jones 
27. Your summer? can't wait!
28. Love someone? God 
29. Your favorite color? green
30. When is the last time you laughed?  most of this morning, I was  reading someone's blog!

31. Last time you cried? two nights ago, reading someone's blog!

If you're bored too, why not give it a try... I love quizzes, just can't help myself!

RMOM

Random moments of Mirth... 

Have you ever overheard a snatch of converstation, seen something you didn't expect, or even done something yourself that produced unexpected (and mirthsome) results??

I was inspired by Hippomanic Jen's post on her Appromimately None blog (http://approximatelynone.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-embarrassment.html).  Even just now I heard the news reader on ABC Classic rather loudly clearing his throat, I think he was expecting the grab to go on a few seconds more.  I love hearing news readers guff... or there was a truly embarrassing moment at his wedding reception.  My brother and his new wife were introduced into the room incorrectly (by his brother-in-law's surname) instead of our own, which admittedly is somewhat similar.  

Or for my own, and I never witnessed this, thank God.  When I was in grade 4 I was chosen to play Peter Pan in our school play.  The grade 5s and 6s weren't so keen on this idea, but I proved myself by learning the ENTIRE script, (and miming eveyone else's lines on stage!) Thankfully there doesn't seem to be evidence of that year's play on video.

Then there was the evening my Mum played my Dad... My friend and I had a tradition at the time of spending Saturday in the Adelaide Botanical Gardens, ostensibly to paint, but mainly just to wander around dreaming our adolescent dreams.  Well, Ali came home to our place for dinner and as we're eating Mum casually announces that we met two boys at the gardens that day and had arranged for them to pick us up and take us to Glenelg (Adelaide's version of St Kilda).  Well, Ali and I just looked at eachother and then at Mum, who must of winked or something to get us to play along.  Dad was a little unsure, but mum entoned that she trusted out judgement... ra, ra, ra... anyway, dinner ended and we all went on our separate ways... Dad to the throne room and Mum outside to water the garden... So, Mum sneaks around to the front door and rings the bell.  I have NEVER seen my father get up from the bathroom so quickly before or since!  

There was another time Dad had us in stitches (sorry Dad, but I'm sure you can get me back with a few stories too...) He often would drop in at the Central Market to get something for our dinner, as it was just around the corner from his office.  Well, on this particular Friday evening he was so please with himself because he had scored a WHOLE watermelon, and it was quite big, for $1.  Mum replied quite cooly, "But Darling, where are the saussages for our dinner?"  Dad, of course, had completely forgotten about sausages, so I think we had pizza, oh, and watermelon!!!

What random moments of mirth have you enjoyed recently? Share them, so we can all have a laugh!!

Oh, and here is a little clip I've enjoyed on youtube recently... enjoy! :D

postcard fun...!

You've got to love the bloggosphere... I've just discovered a website devoted to sending postcards around the world (http://www.postcrossing.com/). It's called Postcrossing and if you're like me then you like nothing more than receiving REAL mail in the letterbox. So if you're interested then go take a look and sign up... I'm looking forward to adding some interesting postcards from around the world to my collection!

A new add for tourism

Lily's Aussie post reminded me of the new tourism add campaign... its an improvement on the last one, I think... What do you think?

I love meeting new bloggers... and I'm competetive, so watch out!

I've really enjoyed getting to know some fellow Aussie bloggers via Where The Blog Are You? (http://bloggingaussie.blogspot.com/) So if you are reading this and would like to join in the fun, I suggest you go visit Blogging Aussie... and much thanks must go to Lou for starting this great little venture and putting all the time and effort into maintaining it.

Every week WTBAY also runs a competition (http://bloggingaussie.blogspot.com/search/label/Competitions). This week the prize will assist the winner to gain some R&R, but they can't win it for free.... No, the more you read (and even more importantly, comment) on the daily featured blogger, the more chances you have to win... so go read and get commenting people. I can be very competetive and have more time than usual on my hands at the moment....

Tschuss till next time...

Musing ;)

I've had quite a bit of spare time the last few days, which has left me with plenty of space for musing... thought I'd post a recent poem for you, you can read it while listening to this fave track of mine from Muse... just to keep with the theme ;)

Untitled #1

Tonight I am long
I am long and I’m longing
My toes reach the end of my bed

Tonight I am thoughts
I am thoughts and I’m thinking
The ideas come from my head

Tonight I’m awake
I’m awake and I am waking
And the dawn is ahead

Tonight I am words
I am words and I’m sentences
And all the things I’ve never said

Tonight I am lost
I am lost and I’m losing
And almost ready to be led

Tonight I am love
I am love and I’m loving
And the blood in my veins is red

Tonight I am here
I am here and I’m hearing
But I’d rather be asleep instead

Tonight I am a leaf
I’m a leaf and I am leaving
To you I’ll be as one dead
JMR 27.8.08

I know! (I can hear you *sigh*) I just can't help myself, can I, & am feeling so clever now I've worked out how to embed speccie content. Tis reassuring that I'm not a total luddite!

Back on the treadmill....

Well, here I go again! My new job didn't quite work out as planned so I'm back to the job adds and applications. Not my fault, but there just weren't sufficient enrolments to continue. I won't miss the drive out to Cranbourne, but I will miss my students and the work, I was really getting into the swing of it... ah, well... I'll still have a shift or two a week, and am sure something else will show up soon. At least I earn't myself enough to keep me comfortable for a while.... Its just a little disheartening and is making it difficult to get going on this gloomy Monday morning. I suppose its all right to allow myself one lie-in.... Still, there are things I can do...



Oh and if you're a girl and you'd like to do something to help cancer, I know we all have friends & or family that have had their lives impacted by this disease that doesn't discriminate... then check this out... and let me know if you decide to go ahead with it as I have some great ideas that could help you along and raise extra cash....



I hope you enjoy this first proper week of October... I'm aiming to!

Bloggers in community

One of my blogging friends has started up a community of Aussie bloggers, so that we can explore new blogs and encourage one another in our blogging. It sounded like a great idea to me, and will helpfully motivate me to blog more regularly.... So if you're an Australian and you blog, or someone living in Australia blogging, then check it out and join in. I'm looking forward to discovering new adventures and maybe even making new friends (you can never have too many of those!) Tschuss! xo

Pondering II - Racing to come last...

I was reading Matthew 19:16 -30 for my personal quiet time today (http://www.scriptureunion.org.uk/SU_Core/5236.id) and to finish off it asked the reader to reflect on their priorities and anything that might be holding them back from following Jesus wholeheartedly. The passage was about the rich young ruler and Jesus reflection that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter heaven! (incidently, I remember quite vividly my Dad retelling this story as a children's talk and his larger-than-life actions!!) ;)

The part of the passage that really stood out to me though was at the end, and led to my title for this post. It says (Jesus said): "29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother[f] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first."

A woman from our church is currently on furlough from her post in Yemen and my parents left everything from their life here in Australia to minister in Europe. Almost every week I visit my friend who lives on the campus of a missionary training school. I have so many friends and relatives who have sacrificed plenty for their faith & to be faithful. I too am considering a life of full-time ministry.

Just a few weeks ago I was reflecting on my faith, or lack of it, and how it was influencing my overall wellbeing. I concluded that it was unreasonable of me to expect God to provide for my needs and wants if I was barely even playing lip-service to my relationship with him and resolved to try harder!

But what do we expect from our lives of faith? A pat on the back and a "nice pad" in a heavenly suburb? Recognition for our efforts? To enjoy the fruit of our labours?

Is it really reasonable to expect anything other than admission at the gate?

The passage seems to indicate that whatever we are willing to sacrifice here on earth we will be repaid a hundred-fold in heaven, but it may well not be repayment in a way that our earthly experience would have us expect, and should that even be a consideration when contemplating a sacrificial ministry? And then what to make of Jesus' final statement, that the first shall be last and the last first? Does that mean we strive to come last now, so as to achieve a better "status" in heaven? I also notice that this translation say "many who" rather than all... what to make of this?

I only know that as I consider a life of ministry I am motivated by my desire to bring others into the Kingdom, to build relationships that have the potential to last for etenity, and because no other work seems to satisfy me in quite the same way. I know that I could never be truly happy toiling away in secular work and leaving ministry as a "hobby", and I've only finished my studies six years ago!

At the end of the day I'm just happy that I can call heaven home, that God is preparing a place for me there, and that I will be able to share eternity in the presence of my saviour with many of my closest friends and family members. I also hope that I'll be able to leave something of worth behind, that I will be fondly remembered by those who's lives I may be able to help along the way. I don't intend to leave behind riches, or monuments, or anything really tangible, rather a life lived faithfully for the one who gave it to me.

How about you?

About to be very busy...

Well, my teaching course has finished and I'm finalising my final assessment task. I'm not even sure that I wrote about the Certificate IV course in Training and Assessment that I've been studying for the last eight weeks... I've really enjoyed it, and thought I would really miss it now that its over, but it looks like I won't have time...!!

I had a job interview yesterday and finally have good news to share! I will work two days next week, one in Geelong and another in Traralgon, in Gippsland. My boss pays for the travel costs too, so it will be nice to get out of the city, but most of all to be working! Then the following week I'll start full time teaching aged care as part of the government's Productivity Places program for job seekers. I did a quick calculation of my potential earnings too and was very pleasantly surprised! I may be able to do some more study next year after all. I will easily be able to pay off all my outstanding debts and save lots of money so I'm very excited. I will get to teach too, which is what I really wanted to do, though I'd still been applying for jobs in the health sector as well.

So, I have a week to get myself all organised, because very soon I'll be very, very busy... Yay!

Pondering I

Art and Culture...

I was just looking at my groups page on Facebook today when I saw that a friend of mine had joined a group called "Bill Henson is disgusting, perverted and a creator of child pornography". Now, I can see why people might hold this opinion. His art can border on confronting, but I've never been offended by it myself. I actually hold quite a high opinion of his work, formed when I visited a retrospective held at the Ian Potter Centre, part of the NGV. I actually bought a season ticket to the exhibition, so I was able to visit it several times. I found his work thoughful, sensitive and beautiful. It captured the innocence and inquisitive nature of children, as well as the search for identity and meaning, so integral to adolescence and the journey to adulthood.

I also watched a program dedicated to the discussion of art vs pornography in the wake of the accusations brought against Bill Henson in May of this year. It was aired as part of the Insight program on SBS. I enjoyed the program as it included the opinions of people from all sides of the issue, the artists and curators, the subjects and their parents, and the detractors. They didn't really draw any conclusions, but rather illuminated that it is a very difficult line to draw and that it reflects more on society rather than the art itself.

Why do we feel it so necessary to judge any art that challenges us and what we believe as degrading? I've never viewed Mr Henson's work as exploitative or disgusting, in fact, I've never seen anything of his that shocked or disturbed me. Some of it challenged me, but that is not the same thing. In fact, I believe that our art should challenge us and our beliefs. It is a powerful and appropriate medium for precisely that. Why shouldn't a book, picture, film or song challenge us to see things in a different way? Perhaps they allow us to hear a voice that hasn't been heard, or to view an issue from the other side of the fence. I'm not saying that we should be tolerant to all controversial art. I vividly remember an artwork that depicted a cruifix submerged in urine - this is offensive, to be sure. I don't think that art should shock just for the sake of it, rather it should prompt us to think, rationally and thoughtfully, rather than in heat and anger.

What do you think? Its centainly something to ponder....

For My Mum...

Happy Birthday Mum!

I won't tell everyone how old you are... I'm sure you're years young after two weeks with the kids in Denmark anyway!! Either that, or exhausted! ;)

I hope my Dad is making you feel the special and adored princess that you are today... breakfast in bed, running you a bath, taking you out for a special picnic... you know what I would do... bring you flowers picked from a walk ('cause I'm too skint to buy them!!), read you as much of our latest book as you wanted, bake you a passionfruit sponge, make a lamb roast, bring you as many cups of tea as you desire.... and finish the day with a gin & tonic of course!! ;)

You are my inspiration Mum, I hope some day my daughter can say the same about me... and if she does I tell her that her Grandmother taught me everything I know!

I love you Mum, and thank our Father every day for sending me such a lovely woman to call my mum!!

xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo xxxx oooo xo xo

another job interview

I had a surprise job interview on Thursday afternoon... such a surprise that they didn't even know I was coming!! Anyway, it felt good and I think it went well, hope to hear back early next week. I also have another interview lined up for Wednesday (Stroke Educator). It sounds like it would be a good fit for me too... Please pray that I find something soon...

In other news the 8.8.08 marks the beginning of my new venture as Tupperware Demonstrator, will hopefully help my finances and keep me busy! I held my announcement party this evening and a few stayed behind to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony... quite the spectacle, but you'd think they could walk just a little bit faster!!! ;)

I'm also due to give my class presentation in class on Monday afternoon... not sure how I'm going to fit the preparation into my weekend, I'm all booked up!! Might have to take my computer out with me... no, that wouldn't work!! I guess I should go to bed so I can wake up at a decent time on Saturday.... I know that I'm my own worst enemy as far as sleep goes!!!

And thank you for all your prayers... I think they're working!! <><

When opportunity knocks....

My life this year seems to be a series of downpours... (as in, "it doesn't rain when it pours"!) The year didn't begin all that well, what with a death in the family, a health scare and relationship failure... but now things begin to look up.

First I'm ordered into my Job Network provider to learn how to find a job (as if I need lessons, being so practiced in the process myself!!) but it opens the door to study, and I'm now completing a certificate in vocational training. This in turn leads to a job interview in the kind of role I never would have expected.

Then, to top it all off, I was at a party at my sister's last weekend, and now I'm being given the opportunity to become a rep for a reputable plastics company (and with no start-up costs!)

So now I just have to consider what to do next.... I'm praying that the Spirit opens (or closes) the right doors and that I consider my future with care and wisdom. I know where I'd like to be in a couple of years time, but is that where God wants me?

Watch this space and I'll let you know what happens next!

Rolling on....

My beloved little Betty is back on the road!! yippee... I was fearful she'd never get going again, but thanks to my lovely parents and Brett the Village mechanic we're rolling again. Where would we be without our parentals eh? I don't like to think about it too much!!! Am well known for tackling things that are too challenging and attempting to punch above my weight. They've always stuck by me, prayed for me and helped me out of more than one or two tight corners! I'm constantly thanking God for such an amazing pair. They're a constant inspiration!
(If you're unlucky enough NOT to have met my awesome parents, then check out my mum's blog, there's a link on the left, but beware, you will soon be enthralled and find yourself coming back again and again for her great stories.

Speaking of which I'm writing again. I found my beloved red notebook so am getting back to my first novel. If I can squeeze it in around my new commitments then I will do a proper edit of it too, with some accuracy checks, etc. I want to make the story more realistic, and hopefully a little more suspenseful! My lovely Godmother gave me a book on writing short stories too, so I'll no doubt be attempting more of those. I've been writing a lot of poetry too, comes of the cold days and even colder sleepless nights... more about that later!

I'm getting busier these days. I just started a certificate course in vocational education. It should open up some different and exciting opportunities for me, so watch this space. I'm about to start my second week and I really enjoy it... thinking of which, I have some homework to complete!!

So, what else has been preoccupying me so much lately I haven't found time to post? Well, for one, life was in the slow lane for a bit so there wasn't much to report and I was feeling thoroughly uninspired. But this month I've also been preoccupied with athletic guys in brightly coloured lycra... you guessed it, Le Tour de France! We get every stage live here in Aus, which mean it starts around 10.30pm and finishes after 1am! Its been messing with my head and sleeping patterns big time, but all will return to normal as the August chills roll over the hills!! (like that one, couldn't help myself!) ;)



Other than that not much else is happening. I'm helping out with Breakfast Club on Wednesdays at the Primary School, enjoying my small group and catching up with friends for mid-week lunches (and movies , if its cheap day!) The Annual Writer's Festival kicks off soon, so I hope to catch some of that for further inklings. As usual I shall report any thing of interest. Will try to post at least weekly for a while, so check back regular for all the scintillating tales of joce.... ciao for now! xo xo xo xo

Dad

Today is my Dad's birthday, so its my opportunity to tell everyone how much I love him. I've always gotten along well with my Dad, and even if we don't completely understand one another, I think that we are kindred spirits. I've spent many memorable times with my dad, perhaps especially on our road trip from Adelaide to Darwin. I was just becoming a teenager, and it was so special to spend that time in the open country with my dad. I remember him reading us stories. He had a great reading voice, and he can really bring the text alive. He's also preached some very memorable sermons.
Dad you are a thinker, always considering things carefully and I am grateful for your wise counsel and encouragement over the years.
Dad you are enthusiastic for life and ready to face its challenges, you have always inspired me.
Dad, you get alongside others, befriending them, mentoring them and bringing them home.
Dad you are gentle and considerate - the diplomat of the family, I hope that I have learned from your example.
Dad, you enjoy getting involved, are not shy to try new things, and follow the Father's leading, wherever he takes you. May he continue to bless you abundantly for your faith in him.
I love you, Dad.

For Dad and Mum

I love my Mum and Dad. The way they've stood together all this time. It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but they've held on tight.

I love the way they allow each other the space each needs. A time to speak and a time to listen, and even times to be a part, and then together again.

I love the way they make a great team. With complementing strengths that balance out the weaknesses.

I love the way they brought up their children to love their Father, just as they do, but free enough to find our own way.

I love their courage in adversity, their determination to see it through, and I'm sure they'll make it to the end, for their Father loves them, even more than I do!

Happy Anniversary Dad and Mum, here's to 32 great years together, cheers!! xo xo

Things I love

• My family - Mum & Dad & my brothers and sisters
• My Church family
• Singing praises to God
• Just singing in general
• Listening to loud music, especially when its live!
• Sleeping in
• Watching the footy (especially when my team is winning, Go Cats!!)
• The smell of the earth and trees after rain
• The changing colours of autumn
• Soaking in a hot bath (with a good book)
• reading in bed
• reading out loud to my mum
• catching up with friends for coffee, beer, whatever...
• watching good movies
• going to the theater
• Performing on stage! ;)
• distilling all my thoughts into a succinct poem
• Writing and receiving letters (haven't done enough of this lately, e-mail has practically killed the art of the letter)
• Opening packages/presents
• Giving presents, especially unexpected ones
• Picking flowers
• Going for long walks
• Catching the tram or train (just not in peak hour or after the footy)
• Puppies
• Having a great big belly laugh :D
• Seeing friends and family you haven't seen for a long time
• Family reunions (see above, not so much fun at funerals, weddings are better!)
• Arriving at your destination (though the journey can be fun too)
• Long bus rides (I've written some of my best poetry on the bus)
• Road trips (with all the trimmings)

Oh, I'm sure there are so much more things to love, but that's probably enough for now. What do you love? Do you thank God for these things when you get to enjoy them? I know I do, but probably not often enough....
Love to all of you out there in cyberspace.... let me know your thoughts. xo

bits and pieces

Ah, the new bed is SO GOOD I could stay in it forever... if only!! Even the unemployed like me can't stay in bed all day, no matter how much I'd like to, oh well....

Our washing machine is still on the blink so I have to find a laundromat today. Its such a pain, but there's no way out, so to the laundromat I will go. That's for later though.



For now, the job hunt continues. I didn't get the Salvos job :( so I continue seeking. I think I really will have to try and get a decent temporary job before I can get something permanent. Its a real pain, but my references just aren't doing me any favours, I think that is the main thing that's letting me down at the moment. Its very disheartening, when you put so much work into your application and presenting yourself well in the interview, but I'm sure I'll find something good sooner or later. Meanwhile I have time to dedicate to my writing, and even a bit of art. It keeps me sane, and not just at home watching daytime TV and dulling the brain! I read a lot too - can handily be done in bed!! ;)



I have also registered for unemployment benefits, so they will start in a few weeks time and will help with my budget. I just hope I don't have to go to too many of their meetings, its not like I don't know how to find a job, I've done it that many times!



Well that's all for now, my feet are getting cold so I'm off to find myself a pair of socks!

The day has finally come...

and my new bed has arrived!! I'm so excited I wish I was sleepy so I could try it out! I've sat on it, made it, finished off my cuppa tea on it. Now all I have to do is sleep on it! I need to get a mattress protector and another pillow, but otherwise its all set. I've been counting down the sleeps on my lilo in anticipation. Can't wait to sink into it tonight, not that I'll sink exactly.
Here's a pic for you all. Do you like my choice of bedding? Its a bit like an Asian coffee.... YAY!!

A prayer and some words of encouragement

My dear cousin sent me an e-mail today which contained this story. I decided that I'd like to post it for my wider network of blogging friends to read. I send it also with a prayer, that you too will rely on the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

*An* *Amazing* *Story *- Subject: Isaiah 65:24
    =============================================

This beautiful story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa ..

    ====================================================

One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in
spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby
and a crying two-year-old daughter.

We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no
incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator). We also had no
special  feeding facilities.

Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with
treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such
babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.

Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She
came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had
burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates)

'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed.
As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa
it might beconsidered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not
grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.

'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely
can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts.
Your job is to keep the baby warm.'

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of
the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters
various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny
baby.

I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the
hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills.
I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother
haddied.
During prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the
usual blunt conciseness of our African children. 'Please, God,' she prayed,
'Send us a hot water bottle today. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the
baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.'

While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while

You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so
she'll know You really love her?'

As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly
say
'Amen'?  I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that
He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there?

The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me
a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at
that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home.

Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water
bottle? I lived on the equator!

Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training
school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the
time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the verandah was a large

22-pound parcel.

I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent
for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully
undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly.
Excitement was mounting.

Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box.

From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled
as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy
patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed
raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend.

Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? Igrasped
it
and pulled it out. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried.

I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.
Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out,
'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!'
Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small,
beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone!  She had never doubted!
Looking up at me, she asked: 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to
that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?'
'Of course,' I replied!
That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my
former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's
prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator.

And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months
before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it
'that afternoon.'

'Before they call, I will answer.' (Isaiah 65:24)

When you receive this, say the prayer. That's all you have to do. No strings

attached. Just send it on to whomever you want - but do send it on.

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost,
but a lot of rewards. Let's continue praying for one another.

This awesome prayer takes less than a minute.

Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this. I ask
You to minister to their spirit. Where there is pain, give them Your peace
and mercy. Where there is self-doubting, release a renewed confidence to
work through them. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion,  I ask You to
give them understanding, guidance, and strength.

Where there is fear, reveal Your love and release to them Your
courage. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up
leaders and friends to support and encourage them.

Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them and
to reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask You to do
these things in Jesus' name. Amen


P.S. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both.

Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would do!


Have a Blessed Day

The Mighty Mighty CATS!!

The eager Cats supporters wait with baited breath...

OK, so its only the fourth round, and there are 18 to go before September and the finals, but the early signs are encouraging. I would just love for my beloved Cats to go two years in a row, or even three, though I'm sure that would be pushing the friendship ;)

And erupt with delirious fervor!!

I've uploaded a couple of pics, soundbites and a short film of the action for all of you uninitiated heathens! You're missing out on a great game, fast, spectacular and entertaining. If you're interested enough I'll post a shortie on the the rules... its actually pretty simple.

Enjoy! :D

This is what it looks like, first is the set-up and then the marker goes for goal and scores!



Hope you enjoyed that, the seven of of us sure did!

It was so lovely to watch the game with old friends and family members. I even managed to bring a cake which was a great success at half time.

Viva La Cats!!!

time for a laugh :D

Seeing as Melbourne is still immersed in the annual Comedy Festival and my friends have been sending me funny jokes, I thought I would post a couple for you all to enjoy.

Remember that laughter is the best medicine!!

Going to Israel

A Jewish businessman in Chicago sent his son to Israel for a year to absorb the culture.

When the son returned, he said, "Papa, I had a great time in Israel. By the way, I converted to Christianity." "Oy vey," said the father. "What have I done?"

He took his problem to his best friend. "Ike," he said, "I sent my son to Israel, and he came home a Christian. What can I do?"

"Funny you should ask," said Ike. "I too, sent my son to Israel, and he also came home a Christian.. Perhaps we should go see the rabbi. "

So they did, and they explained their problem to the rabbi."Funny you should ask," said the rabbi.. "I, too, sent my son to Israel, and he also came home a Christian. What is happening to our young people?"

And so they all prayed, telling the Lord about their sons.

As they finished their prayer, a voice came from the heavens: "Funny you should ask," said the voice. "I, too, sent my son to Israel...."



Pastor's Business Card

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20' on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, 'Genesis 3:10.'

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.' Genesis 3:10 reads, 'I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked.'


Hope you liked them! Feel free to post your comic suggestions in the comments....

Job Hunting

Oh boy, do I need work! Keeping up with the Jone's aint all its cracked up to be. All I want is a bit of routine and stability in my life so the round-a-bout of job applications, interviews and finding reliable referees is in full swing. I worked most of last year as a temp/casual so it has been quite difficult to find referees. It is making the task just that little bit harder, I must admit. I'm also hoping to do some cleaning jobs in the meantime to tide me over, till I land the right job.

Well, I have another interview on Monday. This time with the Salvation Army, for a project worker position. I really hope it goes well. It sounds like a challenging job, but I'm sure the team would be a good one too. I'd appreciate you're prayers, and thanks to all those who have been praying for me recently. It hasn't been an easy last couple of months, but I'm getting through it with just a little help from my friends and family, and my Heavenly Father. What would I do without you all? It doesn't bear thinking about.

One of my friends has blogged recently about communities and what constitutes one. I think there's no better place to look than on Jesus and his disciples. Wasn't it in sharing together and meeting one another's needs? (See Acts 4, 1 Corinthians 11, etc). It was Jesus himself who fed thousands and began the Last Supper as the ultimate was of remembering his sacrifice for us. I'm cooking up a storm this afternoon. At my church we share lunch together after our Sunday service, and its my turn to provide. I think its a great way to share together and make everyone feel welcome. Don't you find that people "open-up" over food and drink? That's been my experience anyway, and who better to model ourselves on than Jesus himself? I'll leave you to think about it....

head business update

Thanks to all of you who have been praying for me. I went to the neuro surgeon today and thought I'd let you all know how it went. I don't really have anything new to report, suffice to say that they won't be opening me up just yet. It turns out that it is in a bit of a hard to reach place and any surgery would have associated risks, so they would only consider that if I was having uncontrolled seizures or it grows. To that end I'll continue being monitored by the neurologist and will have regular MRIs.

I was much relieved to hear this, and have been feeling well, so am not too concerned. I will continue to look for work and live my life to my fullest capacity. I just have to consider how much I have to be thankful for. We do have a great God. I have so many lovely friends, and though some of my family is a long way away, my brothers and sisters and cousins have been lovely.

So thank you all again, I really do appreciate it :)

I'd appreciate your prayers

I just wanted to let my blogging friends know that I've been having tests lately to find the cause of a seizure I had last month. They've found a bit of an abnormality in my grey matter that requires further investigation. I'm scheduled to see a neurosurgeon on the 26th of March, next week. As they're not even sure exactly what it is yet, I'm trying not to worry, but it is a bit disturbing and I appreciate your prayers.

I'm thankful that I have so many great friends and family members around me. Its times like these we really need them! I feel a bit sorry for my parents, who I know feel so far away at times like these, but we all know that our Heavenly Father watches over us and takes care of us. They wouldn't be able to do much if they were here anyway.

I'll let you all know more as it transpires. Oh, and for anyone interested in my writing, I'm going to put one of my latest short stories on my other blog, hope you like it!

On The Move

Things are happening in the world of Joce once again, so I thought I should post and update you all. Sorry for my silence of late, I've been very lazy (tut, tut).

Later this week, well, on the weekend, to be precise I am moving... yay! Its been months since I've had a room to call my own. I'll be living in Heidelberg, just north of where I was last year (still in zone one). I am moving in with three other young ladies, two of whom I count among my good friends, so am really looking forward to it. It will be great to be able to unpack properly and have a bit of space. I am thoroughly sick of living out of my suitcases. If you want my new address, shoot me an e-mail and I'll forward it on. Not sure of the phone number yet.

I'm still looking for that perfect job, but hope to have some news to report on that front soon too.

Well, that's all from me for now. We just had a glorious long weekend here in Melbourne and I'm off to help a friend mind some children, then to choir practice. Hope you all have a great week!

<><

PS I'll post some pics once I'm installed!

Magic under the stars!

This is an excerpt from the Australia Post/Opera Australia free concert of The Pearl Fishes last December. The quality isn't great, but you get the idea. This duet was my Nan's favourite and I always think of her when I hear it.

Enjoy!

Why thin people have a higher mortality rate!

According to my psychologist thin people participate in more active pursuits and therefore have a higher mortality rate!!

Justin and I were enjoying a leisurely bike ride on Saturday when I came a cropper as I approaced a bride in Richmond. Ouch! I took a few pics of my injuries on Saturday evening. They're healing nicely now. The pic is of my elbow, the hip is censored, but if you want to see it I can e-mail you! The elbow is the worst of the two though!

I'm not deterred. As soon as I can put my weight fully through my right elbow again, I'll be back out there.

The weather has been great for outdoor activities. Fine and warm. I love an Aussie Summer.

We have a long weekend next week to comemmorate Australia Day.

Hope you all enjoyed the holidays and have a great 2008!

Bringing in the New Year....

I had a fun start to 2008. Celebrating in style in our apartment with Justin and his siblings and other friends from Canberra. We also enjoyed catching up with other family and friends and swimming at Sydney's famous beaches (once we found one that was open!) Unfortunately I'm not enjoying swimming in the ocean so much these days. When I get out of the water I feel dizzy and nauseous for about half an hour, so it kind of ruins the fun really. Can't work out why as I'm fine otherwise... perhaps its that pesky ear infection still lingering....

Justin and I returned home to Melbourne the long way via the coast road with quite a few stops and detours. We stayed in Bega overnight. We almost dropped by Yarram too, but decided it was a bit too much of a detour (like an extra 100kms!)

I returned to work today, the office is quiet as about half the staff are still on holidays. I have a meeting to finish my day, which should be interesting.

I'm glad to be back in Melbourne and looking forward to enjoying the rest of summer. I've a few things on my to do list... like:

• going to the outdoor cinema (there are three of them in Melbourne now)
• going to the free MSO concerts at the bowl
• having a picnic with friends
• more swimming
• celebrating Australia Day with fellow Hottest 100 fans...
• going to a music festival (hopefully Womadelaide)

I do hope to get over to Adelaide and attend writers week, but am not sure if I'll be able to manage it. I continue to work on my writing when I have the headspace.

At the moment I'm working two jobs, but think I will give one up as I waste 3 hours travelling there every time I go. Its a pain. I'm not a big fan of being stuck in traffic. I'm just not sure its worth my while, but I'll persist for a few weeks and try out a few different routes.

Well, must get back to it, hope you are all enjoying 2008 and that it brings all you hope for!

Lots of Love... xo xo xo xo