PS I've also added the next bit of chapter 8

And just in case you've been reading that little story I began writing in Japan last year... I've added the next bit of chapter 8.... more to come soon <><

Preparing to Rock...!!

So, one of my good friends is having a Rockstar themed Karaoke night for her birthday this Saturday... I'm really looking forward to it (her Karaoke parties ALWAYS rock!)... but I can't decide which Rockstar to go as....

• An Aussie?
• A gal?
• Popstars are also allowed...
• Someone not too obvious...
• but also not too difficult to pull off
• I can't change my hair as I need a new job...
• however cosmetics are allowed

I would prefer to be someone I can impersonate at the mike too... Have to decide tomorrow... any suggestions?

jocelynspace: Mountains and Valleys

http://www.creatingfutures.net/depression

Mountains and Valleys

As I reflect on Easter, the production, and yes, my life so far this year... it is full of mountains and valleys. Particularly mountains, but valleys more recently...

(If you're not sure what I mean check out my comment linked to this post which contains the lyrics of the song that inspired the tile of this post.)

I've often struggled with my mental health, probably since I was twelve and experienced grief for the first time. Not that grieving is a mental illness, but just that I identify that time as the first that I understood unhappiness. In 2000 I dropped lower than I had before or have since, and soon after I experienced my first "high" or perhaps mania is a better word, seeing as it was a mood not influenced by drug use... Last year I struggled with anxiety and panic attacks and looking back realise I was much more ill than I thought (scary). Plus that time wasn't only bad for me, but injured my friends and family, and caused others to worry about me (so much it made them sick too). Then as Christmas and New Year came the mountaintop arrived and stayed and stayed and stayed... for the first time I had to admit to myself that I really was sick, and really did need help, perhaps even medication... ugh, I don't like to label myself with a mental illness, it sounds much better just to say I've struggled with my mental health...

(but perhaps to those of you who haven't can't see a distinction. )

Anyway, I also decided that I wasn't going to let my moods (or my illness) dictate the person I am. I don't want to live my life on a rollercoaster, or as someone who regularly burns out and needs to take a break from life. But I can't do it by myself. Asking for help isn't easy for us proud, independent types... think we're intelligent, skilled, blah, blah, enough to help ourselves. As a Christian, I know this is false... and yet I still persist independently and avoid asking for help. I'd almost say hopeless, except that I'm not depressed so unwilling to admit that! ;)

I realise each day how much I need my saviour, and am so thankful I have him. I also realise each day how much I need my brothers and sisters... not just the family I was born into, but the people who are my brothers and sisters in Christ. The ones who have been my family when my family wasn't available, or was too far away. And I thank God for all of them.

Then I realise that there are so many people out there who don't know how much they need these people... or who do, but don't have them, and my heart breaks, and longs to bring them into the family I love so much. (and am loved by, yay!)

And yet, before me is a valley... Its not too deep, I can see the path ahead... but the road is narrow and steep, treacherous even, I can't see exactly where it is going, just that it is. And I'm tired, so I'm taking it slowly for the time being. Patching up the wounds I incurred as I tumbled down the last part of the hill [still, it was fun ;) don't you remember rolling down a grassy slope?] And I'm not here alone... friends and family are with me here, behind me and before me... and most importantly my saviour. We're holding hands today and walking side by side. He'll never leave me, never take me where I cannot go with him. There's even some people along the sidelines, cheering me on... thank you to all of you who are praying for me. And thank you to the faithful saints who finished the race ahead of me. But thank you most of all Jesus, my saviour... you completed this path thousands of years ago and yet are willing to walk with each of us. What a gift!

Lastly to those of you who do understand, who yourselves are in valleys, most likely deeper than mine. Be encouraged. You are not alone. There are so many of us who understand where you are, what it is like, and who are willing to walk with you. Please, if you need help, ask. There are so many people who want to help you. Especially Jesus, he longs to save all those who call on him.

My prayer is that my journey can be an encouragement to others, and that my faith is infectious and will give glory to God!

Just a thought....

The traditional church celebrates Lent at this time of year. It is 40 days (excluding Sundays, for some reason) from Ash Wednesday (mid Feb) until Easter (Good Friday). This sunday is Palm Sunday, when we remember Jesus entering the gates of Jerusalem. Riding on the colt of a donkey, but receiving a welcome fit for a king.

In my church we've been focussing on prayer... each sunday we've looked at a further sentence of the Lord's Prayer. I'll reprint it for those not familiar...

Our Father in Heaven

Hallowed be your name

Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven

Give us today our daily bread

And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil

For the kingdom the power and the glory are yours

Now and forever amen.

(that's the prayer book version, for the original see Matt 6, or click on the link below.)

We also have a lenten study guide of daily psalms and prayer points.

I've found it really helpful. It is always good to be reminded of our creator and I have especially been focussing on the Great Commandment. It is simpler and more challenging than we realise... just as it is to hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil. This world has never been easy, but it is so difficult to not be "me" person in our generation.

Please join me in praying that this easter many will see Christ for who he is...

Treading the boards.....

My church in Melbourne - St Jude's Carlton, puts on a musical every couple of years. I missed it the last time as it was put on 4 years ago, and I've only been a member 3 years! But, I came home from O/S just in time to audition and I'm playing Mary (that is Martha & Lazarus' sister). If you're in Melbourne I reakon you should come and see me be the 19 year old I never quite was... like, I'm trying to be a cool and groovy... and I get to sing as well as act. The Musical was written by talented members of our church too... plus, if you're the kind of person who skips church in favour of the comedy festival, then you can come in the first week of Easter to make up for not coming Good Friday or Easter Sunday!!! he, he, just jokes, but you might get to meet a Jesus you never knew.... Below is the blurb our publicity person wrote... Only 4 rehersals to go... don't worry we'll be great!! ;)

One Man Dies St Jude's Carlton presents 'One Man Dies', an Easter musical (based onthe international bestseller 'The Bible'). Come and see the events ofthe first Easter in a quality musical production. Whether you've heard the story thousands of times or you've never heard it before,you want to know more or you just like theatre productions, thismusical is for you and your friends. Invite your friends, and booknow!

Where: St Jude's Anglican church, Palmerston St, Carlton

When: April 2-6, 7:30pm

How much:Preview night April 2, all tickets $10 (check it out and invite yourfriends later in the week)Gala opening April 3, tickets $20 / 15 / 7 (black tie; refreshments provided) April 4-6, tickets $17 / 12 / 7Ticket bookings: Phone 0404 232 844, book at a Sunday service, or buy at the door

Want to see me lose my curly locks??

I have decided that I will try and post every Sunday - a new habit! But I have to admit to being up to my old tricks (not getting enough sleep). I had an unfortunate all nighter last night, but have put a curfew on Sunday nights - 10pm LIGHTS OUT _ non-negotiable!!!

Do you think I'll be able to stick to it? Only time will tell... but to commemorate my new habits and also to confirm my goals for this year... Save & Serve with love & enjoyment. I have decided to shave my head - and not just for me, but to raise funds for the Leukemia foundation!

You can sponsor me by visiting my page on their website - link attached to this post...

The photo above is my most recent one. My dad took it, guess where...?

Lots of love to you all and hope you are having a blessed and happy Sunday.

Tschuss, Ciao & Bye for now,

Joce <><