Wandern in einem Olivenhain ist nett!

quote of the evening

Let us seek the grace of a cheerful heart, an even temper, sweetness, gentleness, and brightness of mind, as walking in His light, and by His grace. Let us pray to Him to give us the spirit of ever-abundant, everspringing love, which overpowers and sweeps away the vexations of life by its own richness and strength, and which, above all things, unites us to Him who is the fountain and the centre of all mercy, loving-kindness, and joy.
- John Henry Newman

narnia

no matter how I look at it, there will always be more to The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe than a childs story.

I especially loved the weary Aslan scene.

I went with Lady Design and acf. He then bailed home to pack for mission (poor guy, feelin a little sorry for him leaving at 4am tomorrow), and Lady Design and I went to Otto's for a delish meal. There is something to be said for getting to know people over a meal. I think that is one of the awesome things about my old church. They share a meal together every week.
Anyways...

Then hopped in the car and headed to Why Pastor and Praise the Lord's place. They are good value, and a huge encouragement to me.

I think that I have refined the art of procrastination quite well. When you are studying, organising is always very important, and when you are meant to be cleaning, summer study (or sleep) really should be done.
I can no longer see the floor in my study, but I can almost see my desk, AND, most importantly I have started doing my summer reading of calvin! (but I do need to find my hard copy of it as there are way too many distractions whilst reading it on the computer!)

*raises imaginary glass*
- a toast... to procrastination

2 more sleeps

For the last 2 weeks my body clock has been set to 6am wake up. I am not sure, but I think this may be a hang over from sailing camp and getting up early for leaders meeting. Maybe my body is telling me that I really really am a morning person??! - Yeah right
Seeing as I normally can't get to sleep before 1am, last night was a little out of the ordinary. It saw me fast asleep before 11pm.

2 more sleeps until my camping/road trip begins!

feliz navidad

Lk 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
Lk 2:9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Lk 2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Lk 2:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Lk 2:12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Lk 2:13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
Lk 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

another day, another social event

Went to a relo bash last night. But not for Christmas! My cousins threw a suprise birthday party for my aunt. It was a lovely night.
It was also a night tinged with sadness. It has been a hard year for my aunt and cousins. My uncle died several months ago, and it was sad to go to a relo bash and him not be there.
I must make time to travel up the coast next year and spend some time with her.
Mum gave her a book about Christianity. I hope and pray that she will read it.

Today is Christmas Eve, and in my usual procrastinating style, I woke this morning to the knowledge that I still had gifts to buy.
I hit the shops early, and man was it manic by the time I left. Now it is time to wrap them all.

Tonight brings another social event. A friend is back from New Zealand and throwing her traditional Christmas Eve party. It is probably going to be the last one, as her parents are probably selling the house. It is also the first time that I can go and not have to rush off. Normally I have a church service or 2 to go to on Christmas Eve. Not tonight. I'm churchless!
I'm fully looking forward to seeing old friends.

When I think about it, it has been an interesting year. Two of my closest friends have been living overseas. I am so thankful for international calling cards which make it so cheap to call them.

But for now, I am starting to melt in this heat. I think I am going to head down the beach and cool off. Or maybe I should wrap those presents first. hmmmm

narnia

just booked the tickets for narnia on boxing day.
I've heard mixed reviews, but I am looking forward to it!

sometimes i think i have an inner adult, and an outer child!

Your Inner Child Is Happy

You see life as simple, and simple is a very good thing. You're cheerful and upbeat, taking everything as it comes. And you decide not to worry, even when things look bad. You figure there's just so many great things to look forward to.

How Is Your Inner Child?

german poetry? - well not really sure about that!

eines Tages traf ich eine Luftblase
das war zuerst freundlich
til drang ich tiefer forschend ein
das war dann ich begriff
es gab etwas ernstlich gebrochen
diese Luftblase war keine Luftblase
tiefes Inneres war dieses Bedürfnis
ein Bedürfnis zu kontrollieren
jeder und alles
jede Bewegung machte es
es war einem Schachspieler ähnlich
til eines Tages
der Tag wird kommen
dann wird diese Luftblase platzen

dinner, dinner, dinner - in no particular order

It has been a week of social engagements.

I love my friends. It has been awesome this week to see some of them and hang out.

I finally got around to watching the last 4 hours of Survivor Guatemala. I went around to acf's house and he cooked me dinner while we caught up and watched the finale. It was nice. He drew me a very clear map to find my way home, but to no avail, I still didn't manage to follow the directions and got, well I can't really say lost, cos I found a main road I knew, but lets just say it wasn't the most direct trip home!

Had my brothers birthday dinner.
Upside to dinner outside - cooler than inside.
Downside to dinner outside - mozzie bites galore!

And went out for dinner with Why Pastor and Praise the Lord. Delish mexican teamed up with south american beer. Caught up on the yarns, had some laughs, and later we sat on their driveway and had a pray. We were looking for stars, but there wasn't one in sight. Too much cloud cover.

endings...

I finished up at church today. It's all a little surreal.

exam results

I got an sms from Jedi Master on whilst driving home from camp, to say that exam results were in. Started to feel a little anxious...
I got home, searching the house high and low, I could not find them. They mustn't have arrived.
I eventually found them tucked in with some of Dad's work stuff. I held the envelope for a few moments, and as I tore it open, I fully expected to read that I needed to do some supplementary examinations in January. It was with disbelief that I read, and re-read my transcipt which showed that I had passed everything. I actually thought that they had made a mistake, or that i wasn't reading it properly.
But as things stands, I have made it through my second year of college. I guess this means that I am going to pick up Hebrew next year. Well that was the deal with myself.

My GPA is up, not as high as I had hoped, but it is still up on last year. I need to get it to a certain point to be allowed to do my project in 4th year. I haven't quite reached that, so I will have to keep working on it next year.

My best subject was greek, and suprisingly, next up was doctrine.
I also did quite well in OT exegesis (english strand). Church History was a suprise, I walked out of that exam early, thinking that I had failed it, I didn't do brilliantly in the exam, but enough, so that with my essay mark, I got a good overall mark.
Philosophy... I had hoped for a better result.
NT was the one subject that I was a bit bummed about. I mean, it isn't as though I did poorly, but I had thought that I had nailed both the theology paper and the exegesis paper.
I think that I may get RJG to go through the paper with me at some stage early next year, to see where it is that I am having problems.

Now time for a snooze, and then off to carols tonight.

camp...

ok, so the more about camp...

I had a great week. I am really glad I went. I was feeling a little anxious about it beforehand, as I didn't really know anyone else on the leadership team. But over the course of the last week, I feel as though I have met some awesome and encouraging people.
Much of my time was spent driving the rescue boat. My main job, was the get boats ready and in the water, and make sure that the sail boats stayed in the safe zones.
We did pretty well, with only a few minor breakages of equipment, and only a few scrapes and bruises to campers.

All in all, I had a great week. One of the things that I really enjoyed was being involved in ministry to the campers, but not being in an upfront type roll. It was a really refreshing.

The most exciting thing about the week was the the gospel was proclaimed clearly, and kids responded! It puts everything in perspective.

results

just walked in from camp.
exam results are in...

I passed everything! YAY! way cool. looks like I will be doing hebrew next year.

more about camp in a little while...

packing & cleaning

I am meant to have my rooms cleaned and almost packed by the time I leave for camp this arvo. Don't think that is going to happen.

I went into town yesterday and signed the lease for my new flat. Whilst in there I picked up Schwepps, she tailed me home. I watched her play in her squash grandfinal last night. She played v well. Unfortunately her team lost, but hey, they got a towel. I then drove her home (my home), and we stayed up talking for a while.

After she headed to bed, I kept packing and cleaning. I had to be up early to fix up my flat tyre this morning, so am feeling a little wasted (kicked Schwepps out at some unearthly hour - sorry chick). At least I should sleep well tonight, which will be a unique experience, as I never sleep well on the fist night of camp.

Right now, it is time for more coffee, and back to the packing and cleaning.

P & P

I went and saw Pride and Prejudice last night.
After having a conversation with a friend about it, I feel that I have been left in a paradoxical quandary.

He was telling me how much he loves Lizzie Bennet. That he desires a woman who will challenge him, stir his wit and intellect. But less than 5 minutes later, he was telling me that feminism is the problem with relationships today. That it isn’t possible to find a submissive Christian woman these days. A woman who will not question his authority.

Now I am sure that people will tell me that the two can go together. But I don’t really see how. How can you have an Eliza Bennet who is also a Charlotte Lucas?

One minute we girls hear from men, that they want us to be spirited, have our own life, and be independent, then the next we are told that they want a submissive and quiet woman, the way that the Scriptures describe.
Arrrgghhhh – and men say that women are hard to understand!

ouch

it was a great day. Am totally exhausted though.
The new boat that I was going to be driving today got flipped and wasn't back from repairs. So I got to drive the old boat. It was an outboard, with tiller steering. I haven't driven tiller steering for a couple of years. So I have come back a little sore and bruised.

Am totally glad I went. I have had a little trepidation about going on camp where I only know one other person. Today meant that I got to meet some of the other leaders. Also I got a lift up there, which meant that there was totally heaps of chat time in the car. I know feel as though I know 2 people on camp!!
Suprise, suprise, we were chatting so much that we missed the turn off and ended up almost at Newcastle (>45km too far north on the freeway). But we made it :)

well I never got that washing done! But hopefully it can hold off a couple of days.

spent a couple of hours this morning editing Schwepps' sermon for tonight. I hope what I had to say was helpful and didn't stress her out. I enjoy going pulling sermons apart as I find that it helps my writing skills all the more.

acf popped over and we had a BBQ lunch. Yummy garlic prawns and stuff. It was nice to hang out. Bailed off to church this arvo, learnt a few new Christmas songs, and spent a lot of time trying not to cry.
I am sad about leaving my family there. It is hard to believe that two years have passed and it is now time to move on. I don't want to cry on my last day there, as when I cry, I turn into a blubbering mess.

Tomorrow holds what I hope to be a fun filled day in the sun. For those that know my aversion to sunscreen, you will be pleased to know that it is packed (and a hat).
I am heading off early in the morning for a 'training day'. It will be excellent to get in and drive a speedboat again. Then it will truely feel like summer!

fun, food, film and a flat

Met up with Snitzal for dinner. It was yummy japanese/korean style food. Lots of fun and laughter, esp seeing as I was a total grot and managed to splater food all over my top. It was the cause of much hysteria. It was good to catch up.

We then met up with acf, Dani, Camilla, and Musician and went to see Harry. Loved it. I jumped in a few parts, and was giggling in much of the other parts. I totally agree with the M rating, and certainly wouldn't be taking young kids to see it. I won't say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for those out there who by some chance have not read the book and are planing on going to see the movie!

I then trapsed back to my car which was on the rooftop, only to discover that I had a flat tyre. Quickly turned my phone on to try and catch Snitzal in time before he drove away. He drove up to meet me and changed my tyre for me. Thanks mate. I was glad to have someone with me as I didn't really relish the prospect of being on a rooftop carpark by myself changing a tyre.

I really should try and get some sleep now as tomorrow I must awake early and do some washing and cleaning as acf said he might pop over. And no Li'l Miss, my washing is not in a desperate state, it is only in a near desperate state!! :)

married to Christ

I was asked what some of the implications of our marriage to Christ are. Here are some random thoughts. I would like to synthesize them a little more and think some more about putting it together, so feeback and input is appreciate.
This stemmed from a discussion on singleness, which yes, NanoC I do remember that you asked me to post something on singleness, and I will get around to it.

--

Some musings.

It is the best situation for married people to live together, in the same way, as we are married to Christ Eph 2:17 tells us that Christ dwells in our hearts. We can’t simply pay visits occasionally, Christ must be at the centre of our thoughts, we must dwell with him. This union of marriage with Christ is closer than any other relationship, yes, including marriage between a man and a woman. A man and woman become one flesh when they are married. Christ and the believer becomes one spirit (1 Cor 6:17).
This marriage fills the believer with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Pet 1:8). This idea is also spoken about in John 15 where we are instructed to dwell in Christ, and he will dwell in us.

This marriage also differs from the marriage between a man and a woman in that it is eternal (Hos 2:19). All other marriages cease at death, and will not be restored in the resurrection of the dead, but the bride of Christ shall never be a widow.

Some practical outworkings of this…
Have we given ourselves totally over to Christ?
Do we see the value in other believers? They too are joined to Christ. It is not assimilation, but union. All believers are not only joined to Christ, but one with Christ. Can you see the seriousness then of sinning against our brothers and sisters? It makes me understand all the more Acts 9:4. Persecution of the saints, is persecution of the bride, of the body, of ourselves, of Christ as we are one spirit.
This is also a huge assurance. Christ, our husband, is our judge.
We need to rejoice in the relationship.
It impacts not only our views and the way in which we treat others, but also in relation to our sanctify and purity. Is it fitting for Christ to be married to one who cheats on him? One who cheats in their actions by doing things that displease him, by sinning, by placing our wants and desires above his.

whoo hooo

just shook hands on house for English Lass and myself! Way stoked!!

mood: ..... vereitelt und geärgert

es ist harte zwei/drei Tage gewesen. Ich habe nicht blogged, wie ich etwas nicht sagen wollte, dass ich später bedauern könnte.

Es hat einige nette Momente gegeben. Ich traf mich mit dem Jedi Master für 'Kaffee' auf Wed, Thurs ich sah Schwepps-Spiel-Squash und Freitag, den ich bekam, um Surivivor zu beobachten.

Heute bin ich dabei, eine Mietmiete (hoffentlich) zu unterzeichnen, und dann später heute Abend bin ich dabei zuzusehen Harry Potter.

Am Montag, am besten aller, komme ich, um den Tag treibend ein Geschwindigkeitsboot ringsherum auszugeben. Ich kann nicht warten!

Dinge sehen heller aus! Ich werde fortsetzen mich zu freuen:)

phone calls, phone calls, phone calls

Another day has passed, it seems to have been made up of many, many phone calls.

Some of the stand out/hassle/most enjoyable calls were...

calls and sms's organising stuff for the youth ministry conference this week. Must head into college tomorrow and sort some stuff out. (hopefully there will be some ppl around to say hello to, but I fear that most will have moved out)

Then came the phone calls to my future (hopefully) landlord. Trying to come up with a compromise. It looked as though my possible house for next year was falling through as the current tenants are moving out mid-December not mid-January as originally thought. English Lass doesn't get back from the UK til late Jan, so we didn't really want to move in until then. Landlord didn't want the place empty for 6weeks (which I can totally understand). We have struck up a deal that if we move early Jan he will give it to us. It means a loss of 3 weeks rent for him, and an extra 3 weeks rent for us to pay. He is going to think about it and get back to me tomorrow. I told him that I would call English Lass and sus her out.

Phoned English Lass tonight. Woke her up!! I knew I would, but wanted to make sure that I caught her. We decided that we would go with moving in early Jan. I mean, if we didn't take it, and then nothing came up we would be kicking ourselves. It isn't that it is a flash place, but it all about location, location, location!

After a marathon call to the UK (man, am I grateful for international calling cards), I got a call from Snitzal. We chatted for just on an hour. Hearing about his travels and organising a time for that post-exam golden ale.

Now that I have bored you all to sleep, that is where I should head!

Oh yeah, I had to exchange a birthday gift from Mum. So the excitment of the day was a rediscovery of the Mall!!

the rain held off

thankfully the rain held off, and we were able to have the BBQ down at Maroubra.

So yeah, BBQ was lovely, was v spoilt, got a few pressies, and an invisible birthday cake with candles and all that we got to blow out on several occasions!! But the best thing was hanging out with friends. It was nice to hang out without the pressures of college. We are going to try and organise to go and see Harry this weekend. So that'll be a treat. I worked out that I hadn't been to the movies since Revenge of the Sith came out, and that was many months ago.

ahhhh, that is the life

coffee, limitations, a BBQ and promises!

Caught up with Chops for coffee on Sat morning. It was lovely to sit on the beach drinking bacino bar coffee eating hot chips and watching the surfers. I've missed Chops.
I have these grand plans of catching up with people on a regular basis, but it doesn't seem to eventuate, and I end up cramming all of my social life into December/January.

More and more I realise my limitations. It was announced at 7pm service that my last week was coming up. One of the guys asked me if I would come back and visit. I had to honestly say to him that I didn't think that I would. It was hard to say that. It is not as though I don't want to come back and visit. I will miss all of my family there.
But I have realised that it just isn't possible. I had wanted to go back and visit my old church, but having only done that once in the last 2 years. (Not counting my random hang outs with Hey Pastor and Praise the Lord)

Tomorrow is a BBQ for my, Schwepps, Kemp, and Shell's birthdays. It will be good to hang out with college people and in some ways say farewell for 2 months (or longer for those not coming back to college). I also know that I will then be in a sort of limbo.

2 months of vacation. What will I do with it? Rest assured, I worked out my diary, and there is something planned in every week of that. From highschool camps and driving power boats, to camping and moving house.

Feb has already been designated essay, greek and Calvin month. I had a deal last year with Pato, that I would get one of my essays done before college went back or else I had to take him and his family out for dinner. Fortunately, he is yet to claim on that one.
This year WILL be different.

friends...

summary of post exam day:
- post exam traditional beer
- thai dinner
- happy hour cocktails
- live music

It was all great. Got to hang out with heaps of friends, and managed to fall in love.




























I am in love with a sax. I have been dreaming of getting one for a while now. But it shall remain a dream for just a little longer.

Today was the final college chapel of the year. It was a little bizarre. Well not chapel in and of itself. I got home, and realised there are many people I won't be seeing for 3 months, and there are many people who I won't be seeing for a lot longer.

Tonight Why Pastor and Praise the Lord took me out for a birthday dinner. It was awesome. They are such great friends, and God has blessed me abundantly through their friendship.

There is so much more that I just can't seem to capture. I feel as though my brain (and body) has gone into meltdown. Sleep once again calls before a weekend filled with catching up with people!!

finished!!!

Well all my exams are over for at least 8 weeks.

I would post something longer, but having just got in after leaving the house nigh on 21 hours ago, bed is calling me.

Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement.

virus alert

I just received emails to 2 seperate accounts (one to my hotmail, one to my college account) which is a virus.
DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT

It looks a little like this:
The subject titles were: Your IP was logged --- AND --- Registration confirmed
From email address: Admin@cia.gov (that got me sus straight away!)

Dear Sir/Madam,

we have logged your IP-address on more than 30 illegal Websites.

Important:Please answer our questions!
The list of questions are attached.

Yours faithfully,
Steven Allison

++++ Central Intelligence Agency -CIA-
++++ Office of Public Affairs
++++ Washington, D.C. 20505
++++ phone: (703) 482-0623
++++ 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., US Eastern time


Do NOT open the attachment.
Fortunately I got sus, and my antivirus is up to date.
--

only one more day til party time!!!!!

another year older

Well this morning has come, and I am another year older. That's right, it is my birthday. Thanks Seumas and Naughty for your messages. I feel loved!

I had some pretty wacko dreams last night. I woke with a start at 3:30am.
I had 2 pretty bizarro dreams. The first one, was that I had been bitten by an alien, and caught some rare disease and I was going to die on Saturday. So I was franticly studying for my church history exam (which I have no idea why I would do it, if I was going to die 2 days later), and I was freaking out about cleaning and organising my study and bedroom so my parents wouldn't have to do it when I had died! Morbid, I know.
The second, I was locked in the office with Registrar and we were battling it out, and I ended up being kicked out of college.

mmmmm, can anyone interpret dreams?

Ich liebe Donner-Stürme

Sie wissen, wie, wenn Sie denken, Sie jemanden kennen, aber etwas geschieht und Sie begreifen, dass Sie sie nicht tatsächlich wissen. Gut ist das meine Erfahrung über das letzte wenig während gewesen.
Ich lege hohe Erwartungen auf Leuten, und bin dann enttäuscht, wenn sie ihnen nicht entsprechen. Ich muss aufhören, das zu tun.

Ich sitze das hier Zuhören dem Donner-Gebrüll um mich, ich bete dieser Gott wird fortsetzen, zu verurteilen, zu ändern und mich zu erfrischen. Dass ich jemals näher ihm tagtäglich wachsen werde.

Und ich fand die Spinne!

Geburtstag-Tee

Ich hatte gerade einen schönen Geburtstag-Tee. Meine ganze Familie war dort. Es ist nicht mein Geburtstag bis Morgen. Aber ich werde wahrscheinlich auch focussed morgen abend sein, um zu feiern. Mein Bruder und sein Mädchen verdarben mich. Sie kauften mich eine schöne Wein-Brille und eine nette Flasche von Wein, um meine Sammlung anzufangen.

Ich erreichte mein Zimmer, um anzufangen, zu studieren, als mein Telefon klingelte. Ich war auf dem Telefon, als ich aufblickte und eine riesige Spinne über mir sah. Ich drehte mich für einen Moment, und jetzt ist es gegangen.Ich habe ein Kopfweh, wie ich mein Zimmer mit Fliege-Spray zerstäubte.Was zu tun? Gehe ich weiter? Oder gebe ich auf und gehe ins Bett? Ich weiß, dass, wenn ich wirklich ins Bett gehe, ich es am Morgen bedauern werde.

Ich werde weitergehen. Ich kann nächste Woche schlafen!

and then there was one

today's exam was, well, relaxed. I was still writing right up until the last minute. Infact my last page was mainly dot points from the essay plan that I had written. But I feel quite confident that I have passed. Am undecided as to whether I will look back over my notes to see if I answered everything right. It might phase me out too much before Thursday.

Reformation Church history to come. Much to be covered. I don't really remember lectures from first semster which is 1/4 of the course, and I am pretty sure that another 1/4 of the course we spoke briefly about in the last lecture of the year. So much for contructive alignment.

Tschuess

a little brightener

I got a birthday pressie all the way from England!

--
4 down, 2 to go!

it does not bode well

It does not bode well when I leave an exam early. It is normally for one of two reasons.

1. I know my stuff so well that I have answered the question to the utmost of my ability and there is nothing more to say on the topic. (In which case I am normally writing right until the end anyways).
2. or, I know the stuff so poorly that all I can do is sit there racking my blank brain.

I don't think today was the former.

I knew as soon as I turned the paper over and read the questions that I was pretty much cactus.
I tried to write down everything that I know about the topics asked. So let's hope that they find enough to give me 50%, and failing that, at least 45% so I can get a supp in Jan.
Let's hope tomorrow's exegetical paper goes a little better!

--
over and out

oh yeah

remind me why on earth I was ever thinking of picking up Hebrew next year!
I must have been mentally unstable at that point in time.

that is what it is all about

I have been in radio silence for the last couple of days. Trying (not very well) to study effectively.

I can't really remember anything that I have studied over the last couple of days, and there are less than 12 short hours before my next exam. But much can be learnt in that time!!

--

Went to church tonight. I love my church. I am going to miss it incredibly. I leave in 4 weeks.

I have been giving singing lessons to some of the teenage girls before church. It has been an awesome opportunity to talk to them about what it means to be a Christian.
Just last week, by accident (God's providence), there was a ten year old girl who was hanging around whilst I was setting up the music for the 5pm service. She joined in the singing when practice started, so I asked her if she wanted a few tips.
She was very excited about that. I would give her a few pointers and then we would practice one of the songs. I then got her to point out any words that she didn't understand. She has such a thirst for knowledge. And as each song came along, she'd point out words afterward and ask me to explain them.
This week, one of the songs we sung was 'In Christ Alone'. After we sung it, she asked "what does 'the wrath of God was satisfied' mean?"
It was great. It made me really think about how what I have been learning about, and how to explain the atonement to a 10 year old.

That is what college is all about. Taking what we are learning and applying it! I love it.


oh yeah, also... I was leading singing, and we were singing 'Thanksgiving' and the Holy Spirit filled me with such a joy. A joy that has once again reminded me of all the the Lord God has done for me.

--
over and out

Quote of the day:

What the heart loves, the will chooses and the mind justifies.
-Thomas Cranmer

i want more sleep

I gave myself some time off last night. I'm glad I did, I dropped in at a friends and I feel as though I've had a break.
The only down side that I find though to giving yourself some down time is that when you get back into it, your body cries out telling you in every possible way that it is exhausted and wants some rest.
That's where I'm at right now. Mum woke me up with a freshly made coffee, and I really need to hit the books, but my body is crying out to me, just aching to go back to bed. Maybe I will go for a quick swim down the beach. The water is still freezing, so that should wake me up. I need to get this body going on all the adrenalin again.

My NOW and THEN list (post exam list).
My handy hint for the day:
Exam study cannot, cannot, CANNOT be put on the THEN list.

half way there

This time next week, I will be a year older (damn, I already struggle when people ask me how old I am), and exams will be over! - YAY

So how was the exam today I hear you ask!
Well, that is what everyone was asking me when I walked out, and I have to be honest in saying "I really don't know." What I mean by that is that Ijust wasn't sure how I went. I think I answered the questions, but hey, we'll find out come December (or is it Jan?).

But if you were to ask now, how was it? I would have to say, that I think I passed. I came home and rang Snitzal and went through the questions and the essay outlines that I had for them. He seemed to think that I had done ok. I also emailed them to a lecturer. I just got an email back from him saying that if my essays reflect what my outline says, then I should pass. So that is a relief. But you know what... if I didn't... "It's all good"

There was one question on the paper that I particularly enjoyed writing. It was about how we as humans are made in the image of God, and the implications of that for life and relationships. I enjoyed it as I was able to pull in stuff from not just the creation component of the course, but was able to chuck in the stuff that we had looked at re authority and gender based relationships and also some trinity stuff.

One of my aims for the paper was to get bible and a theologian in each question, and I think from memory I managed to do that, maybe some of the connections weren't fantastic, but I tried!!

Other exciting news of the day. I got some post which wasn't a bill! - thanks curator
BTW, those college people out there reading this, my pigeon hole has been lacking in love over the last week!

So three down, three to go, then comes the harvest.

2 things

I have learnt many things today, but 2 things have stood out.

Knowing God is all about knowing him through Jesus. And not only that, but knowing God through Jesus at the cross.

The other is that it is all about Perichoresis.

Now back to the inerrancy of Scripture.








I would also add that I have also been reminded of God's faithfulness

frustriert

Ich werde heute frustriert. Es gibt einen großen Betrag der Arbeit noch, um vor der Überprüfung Morgen gelernt zu werden. Ich mag Doktrin. Doktrin ist ein Thema dass Einflüsse ganze unsere Schäferarbeit. Das Ding, dass ich hart über Doktrin-Überprüfungen finde, besteht darin, dass ich die akademische Weise nicht verstehe zu schreiben. Ich wünsche, dass sie mir ein Schäferdrehbuch geben würden, um mich auf meinem doktrinellen Verstehen zu prüfen.

Ich werde auch über einige andere Dinge frustriert. Vielleicht werde ich von ihnen später schreiben.

Another one bites the dust...

Another one down. Today's New Testament paper was the Greek section.
Basically we get given a whole lot of chunks of the NT in greek (from our selected texts of course) and then we translate and write exegetical comments on the passage. I like to compare it to writing a really boring sermon. No illustrations.
You see a word, you stop, you explain what it is doing, and why it is important and you move on. Repeat process.

It was a reasonably nice paper, well at least I thought it was. I have been working pretty hard over the last few weeks on translation. I have been sitting down most nights with Mum, for an hour or so, and she will read along the ESV whilst I translate.
I managed to get all of the translations out, bar 3 words, one of which I knew a week ago and is a hapax (ie only occurs once in NT), but that information was lost to me.
And I think I covered the main things that I was meant to in the passages. I am fairly confident that I will pass.

So next things next, the exam of doom coming up on Thursday.... Doctrine!!

Time for me to pack away all the NT books and folders, slightly clean up this room, and get into all the theology books.

Oh yeah, I still miss my friends.

blah

I'm bored

I'm sick of studying

I just want to hang out with my friends

I want to have a USB port in the back of my head

*I want *I want *I want

blah

Wiegenlied

A German Lullaby

Goldne Wiegen schwingen
Und die Mücken singen;
Blumen sind die Wiegen,
Kindlein drinnen liegen;
Auf und nieder geht der Wind,
Geht sich warm und geht gelind.

Wie viel Kinder wiegen,
Wie viel soll ich kriegen?
Eins und zwei und dreie,
Und ich zähl aufs neue;
Auf und nieder geht der Wind,
Und ich weine wie ein Kind.

1 down, 5 to go!!!

Well it wasn't actually as bad as what I thought it was going to be. We had to write 5 essays and I knew something about 4 of them. So that meant only 1 really dodgy essay, 2 moderately dodgy essays, and 2 ok essays. I think I should have done enough to pass.

The 5 that I wrote on were:
Evidence of the life and teachings of Jesus in Pauline writings, and the place that has in Pauline theology. (This was the really dodgy one)
What place the trial motif and forensic language plays in the purpose of the Fourth Gospel.
What contrinubution John's Gospel plays in undertand the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
What is Paul's teaching on wisdom (in 1 Cor) and why does he write it to the Corinthians.
What does Romans 1-4 teach about God.

The amusing thing is that for the last couple of weeks I have been listening to my set texts on my MP3 player on repeat. So when I was in the exam, I kept hearing the ESV in an American accent playing in my head.

Now, onto the next task for tomorrow's exam is in Greek! arrghhh
I hope that I hear that American's voice during tomorrow's exam.

6 to go....

Day one of exams has opened.

6 to go.

Time to get a coffee and head into town.

I am not feeling super confident about this one (or any of them for that matter), I just can't seem to retain all the necessary information. Hopefully it will come back to me one I am in there. If it doesn't, it could well be a long 3.5 hours!

Disgusted

I have just finished reading an article in the Good Weekend. I am disgusted.

Following is some extracts from the article titled: “Tips for a top formal”

“I know what’s good for you, so below is my guide to your school formal with very important tips on fashion, boys, beauty, being a slut, drinking, sex, formal behaviour and so much more.”

PRE-FORMAL ISSUES
“It’s really important (especially for the less-hot girls) to get a hot date as SOON as possible. […] Don’t be embarrassed to ask too early. But choose carefully, ‘cause some guys change heaps and can get seriously fugly in their late teens.”
“This might sound weird but it’s really cool to take, like, a disadvantaged person to your formal. If you go with a hot disabled guy or a hot black guy you will totally get heaps of attention and it’ll make you look really caring. When I say disabled I don’t mean like Down syndrome or something, I mean like a hot guy in a wheelchair.”

DOES EVERYONE GO?
“If you’re a nerd, a goth, a fat chick, an Asian (excluding hot Asians) or a lesbian, you’re basically not welcome.”

DRESS
“Whatever you choose, it’s important to look elegant, feminine and a little bit like a slut. […] It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on what your friends are planning to wear. You don’t want them to look hotter than you. Advise them to wear a really fugly colour and lie about how good it looks on them.”
“Wear a ribbon for a charity. Fold a random piece of ribbon and pin it to your dress. It makes you look really compassionate and caring. If you don’t know of any causes, just make one up. Hurricane Katrina is still really cool, so say it’s for that.”

THE BIG NIGHT
“Okay, you have to get smashed at the pre-formal party. There is no alcohol at the formal, remember, so you have to be drunk enough to last until the after-party.”
[it then gives information on what to drink in order to get drunk quickly and how to smuggle alcohol into the formal]

FORMAL ENDS
“This is point in the night where you ditch the guy you came with. He has usually served his purpose by now and you will not get any hotter guys cracking onto you if he’s hanging around. […] If he’s the wheelchair guy you can really easily lose him in a crowd. Another good reason to go with him.”
-Good Weekend (Sydney Morning Herald Publication) 12th Nov 2005 page 33-34

Is this really what we are feeding our teenagers? I know that this magazine’s demographic pitch is 20-30’s. But still.
Is this the type of morality that we want to promote to our teenagers? I know that this article is meant as a bit of a laugh and a joke (well at least I hope that it is), but these views must really be out there for it to be written at all.

Am I overreacting?

Lost sight of where you are going?

It is strange that while praying, we seldom ask for a change of character,

but always a change of circumstances.

can we go pig-shooting?

The origin of man and the rest of the creation links him far more closely with all the other created beings that with the God who did the creating.

This means that there is a very real kinship between man and the rest of the creatures. They are not something totally alien to him. Becuase in a sense all creatures are man's kin, there should be a harmony between man and the rest of the creatures. In acutal practice this may not be the case, but it is the human, and not the rest of creation, that has introduced the disharmony.

When taken seriously, man's kinship with the rest of creation has a definite impact. Ecology takes on a rich meaning. The word derives from the Greek oikos, which means "house". Thus, "ecology" points up the idea that there is one great household. Wht man does to one part of it affects other parts as well, a truth that is becoming painfully clear to us as we find pollution harming human lives, and the destruction of certain natural predators leaving pests a relatively unhampered opportunity.

The truth that we are kin to the rest of creation also tells us that we are to be humane. The other living creatures may be used as food for man. They are not, however, to be destroyed wastefully for the sheer pleasure of it. [...] The welfare of those other creatures is important to God, and it should be to man as well.

-Erickson (Christian Theology, Baker Books: Grand Rapids, 1995) 488-489

It's an interesting thought.

Are we mindful enough of creation? Does this mean that pig-shooting and hunting is out? Do we acknowledge our responsibility and relationship to creation enough? Of do we simply focus on how we have a unique position in creation, looking only at dominion, and forgetting that we too are part of creation?

ahhh the serenity

I am feeling slightly more sane today due to going into college and chatting to a few people.

The excitement of the day was getting not one, but two essays back.

1. Our OT essays came back earlier this week, and I already knew my mark due to Naughty going over and having a peak for me. My mark was 'satisfactory', but nothing outstanding. OT was one of my better subjects last year. I think it is suffering from neglect. Something I will have to remedy in the upcoming week.
2. But the other exciting essay was that I finally got my Church History essay back. Like, how many weeks after everyone elses? And yes, the downgrade that I mentioned a few weeks back, has been withdrawn! YAY. That take a little pressure off the exam.

I went and visited some friends in Room C. We talked of the good old days (ie stuvac last year) when I too had set up office there. Got some study papers of Whitey, who reckons they are the goods. Well he should know, after all he made it into third year.

Went to the shops this arvo and picked out some hair dye, only to leave and forget to purchase it - *twit*

and the bugs are still attacking me!

I am very thankful!

I am really thankful that my salvation is not dependant on these upcoming exams, and their results. I am thankful that Jesus is the only way. That it is not Jesus plus ____ .

I have been putting a lot of pressure on myself. I've had all these thoughts of maybe going on and doing post-grad studies, when here I am freaking out that I may not even pass. But you know what? Essentially, I just have to do what I can, in the knowledge that even if I fail, what is another year? Right?!

I mean, I know I have to be faithful, and do the best I can and not waste the time that God has given me at college, but essentially, I can do it. (can you tell that I am trying to convince myself of that fact?)


Psalm 19

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

Ps 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Ps 19:2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
Ps 19:3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Ps 19:4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
Ps 19:5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
Ps 19:6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

Ps 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
Ps 19:8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
Ps 19:9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
Ps 19:10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
Ps 19:11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

Ps 19:12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Ps 19:13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

Ps 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

BOYS!

*screams*

(shakes head, trying to clear the fog of confusion)

*screams again*

(wishes some of her male friends were around to chat to!)

*groans*

(leaves the building)

sun, sand and waves - or lack of them

Well, I have to admit that there is one disadvantage to moving into the city next year. That is, that I will be further away from the beach. I have been taking study breaks in the afternoons as they are my least productive time. Normally I head down the gym, but today as it is so warm, I thought I'd go for a surf/swim. And as it was so warm, I fooled myself into thinking that I wouldn't need my wettie for a surf. Well it certainly was chilly in the water. Summer has hit, but the water hasn't caught up. I ended up discarding the board and going body surfing instead. Besides, the waves were smiddly.

Now that I am all refreshed and the cold water has washed the cobwebs away, it is back into it.

I am pretty freaked out and panicky at the moment about these upcoming exams. I find myself unable to settle and sit and concentrate for when I do, I realise that there is something else that I also need to look at. But when I actually stop myself and focus, I am finding it all fascinating (except for church history!).

If you are of the praying sort, please pray for me, that I will have some focus, and that I will not be selfish in these weeks, but that I will seek to give glory to God, in all that I do, and all that I am.

Wie können wir Gott kennen?

Es ist eine interessante Frage, um zu denken. Ist Kenntnisse dessen was wird offenbart, dafür notwendig zu sein? Wenn wir sagen, dass wir Gott kennen, was meinen wir? Enthüllung ist die Tat, in der Gott sich uns durch das Wort offenbart hat. Es ist auch das Wort, als der Agent in und sich selbst.

Ich genieße dieses Thema. Ich wünsche, dass ich es gelesen hatte, bevor ich mich mit meinem Freund letzte Woche traf. Mindestens werde ich noch eine Munition nächstes Mal haben, wenn ich mich mit ihm treffe.

Aber leider kann ich nicht studierend dieses Themas den ganzen Tag bleiben. Joannine-Theologie muss unternommen werden.

Ich wünsche sehr viel, dass ich mehr Zeit hatte. Nicht weil ich bessere Ränge wünsche, aber weil ich alles wissen mag. Weil alles davon dafür lebenswichtig ist, was ich nach der Universität tun will.

phone calls, study and dreams

I just phoned English Lass (my flatmate for next year) who is in England, and told her about the house I looked at last week. She was excited. And in her usual way said: "I don't care about the dark or the size really as long as I can make my room bug-proof!"
She agreed with me that going for a place with larger bedrooms and smaller living area made more sense than getting a flat with 2 small bedrooms and lots of living space but no-where to study.

While I was on the phone to her the post arrived and she received the college magazine that I posted over to her last week. The squeals and excitement made it well worth the $10.80 in postage!

I feel as though I have covered much ground today, but it makes me realise there is an inordinate amount to cover over the next few days. I swing from feeling ok about it to despair!

I had a dream last night where the universal red was attacking me! Bah Snuh! Philosophy was last week, I want now to only dream the answers to the upcoming exams.

Some date ideas...

A friend asked me if I had any date ideas, and seeing as I am in the first day of the 'week of doom' (stuvac) I gave myself around a 20 minute break to brainstorm:

1. The beach sculptures are happening at Bondi Beach until 20th Nov.


2. If it is raining, go jumping in puddles.


3. Get a canvas (available at most bargain stores), some spray paint and/or house paint that might be laying around the house, and create an artwork.


4. The cooking game. You each get $10, head in different directions in the supermarket/deli and buy random items, head home, and see what you can make.


5. Bake a cake, and then drop it round to a mutual friends house, just to say 'We care.'


6. Go on a road trip (not good for those who suffer with travel sickness)


7. Go to a second-hand bookstore and buy a something neither of you would normally read, then go somewhere (beach maybe) and then read it aloud to one another.


8. Spend a Saturday morning trailing garage sales.


9. Go in-line skating (Manly beach is nice for this) then finish it off with hot chips on the beach.


10. Take a walk through a cemetery (at night) and make up stories about what different people could have been like.


11. Live theatre (amateur as well as professional).


12. Catch a ferry from the Quay to Manly, go to Coldrock for ice cream and then walk around to Shelly Beach.


13. Borrow some digital cameras and spend the day at the zoo.


14. Go into the city for the day with your cameras and spend the day seeing what unusual/interesting things you can photograph.


15. Spend an afternoon going through these pictures and make an album.


16. Make some play dough or get some clay and try and sculpt one another's heads.


17. Go to the play set in the park and swing on the swings.


18. Fill their car with balloons. (I know, not really a date, but a fun thing to do).


19. Create a scavenger hunt, leaving clues for them to find the next one, which leads to a picnic somewhere.


20. For all of the above, the number one priority:Enjoy one another's company!!

Now back to the books.

I believe it!

CREED - Lyrics by Third Day

I believe in God the Father
Almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth
And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, our Lord
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
Born of the virgin Mary
Suffered under Pontius Pilate
He was crucified and dead and buried

Chorus:
And I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe that He who suffered, was crucified, buried, and dead
He descended into hell and on the third day, He rose again
He ascended into Heaven where He sits at God's mighty right hand
I believe that He's returning
To judge the quick and the dead of the sons of men

And I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe it, I believe it
I believe it
Yes, I believe it
Oh, I believe it

I believe in God the Father
Almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth
And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, our Lord
I believe in the Holy Spirit
One Holy Church, the communion of Saints
The forgiveness of sin
I believe in the resurrection
I believe in a life the never ends

And I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no it is making me (x3)
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man

I believe it, I believe it...

Just did my budget for next year...

Need to raise $4740 in support.

Please pray that I won't be anxious about this, and that I will trust in God's provision.

road trips, exams and houses

I slept the morning away. It feels like an eternity since I have done that. I caught up with my good friend Trinity last night. We went on a little road trip, visited some people, went silly on too much caffiene, ate fish and chips on the beach!

As I try and shake the fog from my mind, I sit here and think... I am sure there was something that I was meant to do this morning.

For those wondering how the Philosophy exam went. I was a little bummed that the stuff that I had studied in depth wasn't really in there. I will be very suprised if I fail. I answered a question on 'reductio ad absurdum', which I was feeling ok about, until at our usual debrief (the pub), KW told me how I had totally answered it the wrong way. arrgggghhhh. That is why I don't like to disect exams after they are done. Sitting them once is enough for me!

Well enough is enough. That exam is done, there is nothing I can do about it now, but it is time for me to continue getting ready for the next ones.

Other exciting news....
I visited a house yesterday arvo, for English Lass and myself for next year. It is small, dark, not much natural light, expensive, but.... and this is the best thing.... it is like 3 miunutes walk from college. It is basically one long hallway, with the 2 bedrooms coming off it to the left as you walk in. You keep walking and there is a lounge room, keep walking and you are in the kitchen/ette and then step out the door into the 2mx1m back yard which backs onto another laneway. It needs a coat of paint, and a few other things. But the current tenants are going to talk to the landlord for us. It is very exciting. Although the living area is small, the bedrooms are a decent size. I reckon I would have room for my queen bed in there and also my desk and bookcases. All the other stuff that I have looked at has had larger living area and smaller rooms. English Lass and myself need space to study, so even if we went for something with a larger living space, that would end up being taken up as study space anyway. I think this place could be a goer. I msg'd EL and she was excited. I'm going to call her next week. Daylight savings is making it easier to call the UK at the moment which is great.

Anyways.....

Todays tasks:
Clean study. This is very important, and my priority cos if it doesn't get done today, then it won't get done, and it will make exam weeks all that more stressful.

God just doesn't throw a life preserver to a drowning person. He goes to the bottom of the sea, and pulls a corpse from the bottom of the sea, takes him up on the bank, breathes into him the breath of life and makes him alive.
-R. C. Sproul

I need to have a cry

I really think that I need to have a good thorough cry. I no longer feel numb about my meeting with my friend the other day. Emotion has hit me like a ton of bricks, I am feeling sick to the stomach. I met with KGC this arvo to ask his adivce. He was v helpful.

I'm going to go down the gym (I really have been slack the last few days), and then hopefully I will be able to focus on some philosophy for tomorrow.

As much as I whinge about it, I really do enjoy philosophy. I may not understand it a huge deal (although thanks to the Jedi Master, I have an expert on hand who makes things a lot simpler, esp seeing as Snitzal isn't around at college this year - he was the one who got me through 1st year philosophy!), but I enjoy untangling it all.

Yay!

Ich denke, dass ich jetzt verstehe, wie es arbeitet. Ich denke, dass ich weiß, wie der Egalitarian und Complementarian arguements arbeiten. Sowohl in Bezug auf den Gott, als auch der Menschheit.

*blushes* then ROFWL

Saw this on the Anglican Media website!

Why didn't I learn from last time?!

My dark brown skirt that I got from a 2nd hand store ran in the wash. It did this last time as well, but yet, I still didn't remember to wash it separately!! Fortunately it was my darks load, so there isn't too much damage. Rescued some of the lighter darks (can you have lighter darks?) ie colours, and have now put them to soak.

I really don't feel like studying. It is such a gorgeous day outside. My favourite beachside cafe is calling me.... I can hear it now. Maybe I will take my books down there. I love it. I set myself up. There's no need to order, they bring out my coffee, clear it away about 45mins later, then 15 mins after that they bring me another one. Ahh such a life.

I would even venture to say that Bacino Bar coffee rivals Campo's!

sane, or insane.... that is the question

I spent the morning being 'psycho-analysed' as I call it. I had to go and have a psychological test to see if I really am sane. I mean seriously, if I was sane, why would I be applying to become an Anglican!
;)
It is all good. I really believe that this testing and process that they put people through is a good thing.

BTW - for those that are interested...
On the firm advice of some friends, I donned a pair of proper shoes for this interview! Oh how I love being at college where I can wear havaianas every day.

Now I must not get into the procrastination groove, but there is washing to be done while the sun is still out, and study always at hand.

emotion overload

It is really bizarre. I think my emotions have overloaded today. Too much sensory input, and now they are malfunctioning. I feel... well, i don't think I am feeling anything.

I have been overwhelmed today with the knowledge and awareness of sin, and the results of sin in this world.

I had a really hard convo with a friend this arvo. He is struggling/working through a lot of things. I have a deep concern for him, that he is treading a dangerous line in both his faith, and his actions/morals. I am scared of the consequences. I am scared that he is making God unknowable, and I am scared that he is going to hurt people if he acts on his desires.

Earlier on today my friend Naughty reminded me of the very thing that I preached on a week and a bit ago. 1 Cor 12. The body of Christ. How when one member feels pain, we all feel it, and when one member is exalted, then we are all joyful.
Today, I feel the pain. I came back from that convo to find a friend in pain.

I don't think that is a bad thing that I am feeling this pain. It has not depressed or upset me, it is more that I am grieving for those that are hurting.

This is not a true reflection of the whole day. There were some highlights. I did manage to escape college lunch of pasties and enjoy Thai with a girl in 3rd year. (Yummy treat, which I am v glad of)
And I also got some feedback on some exegetical exercises that I had submitted to RJG last week. I would have passed them!! Now I just need to get the rest of my passages up to that level.

*no subject*

Spent $250 on 4 books this arvo. Almost broke my arms carrying them back to the car, until I ran into ickle firs' year LW. He kindly carried them for me, and I gave him a lift home.

On another note, I think I am getting a better handle on Philosophy after some remedial work this afternoon.

In some ways it is bizarre to think that I have only a week left of college this year. I think of how the year has flown by. How friendships have changed and grown. Of life last year, vs life this year. Most of all, I do hope and pray that this year, I will not have just noticed the changes around me, but that I will have changed. I have been asking God to change me, to keep convicting me of sin in my life. I hope that this year, it has not just been me asking to be changed, but a year of listening, growing in God and changing.

BTW

For those of you that I haven't officially shared my crazy notions with...

I am entertaining the idea of post-graduate studies. Along with picking up Hebrew 1A next year (first year top stream Hebrew) and doing 2nd year Hebrew in 4th year at college.

Maybe these coming exams will either kick this idea along, or totally dissuade me of the notion. (I have to pick my grades up a fair bit if this notion is going to come to fruition)

Anyways, now I really should head to bed!!

The Good and The Bad

The Good - borrowing a closed reserve book (2 hour maximum loan) at 4:45pm on a Friday, meaning you can get it over the whole weekend

The Bad - realising that you have not made the most of said book over whole weekend, also realising that you MUST go into college at least 2 hours before first class on Monday morning in order to escape getting the $2 per hour fine

Church and other happenings

Church was great tonight.
We had some guys from BLAST come and share with us about their vision for having full-time Scripture teachers in each of the local high schools. I have been convicted of the need to pray regularly for the local schools in the area. I spoke to the Fong and he is going to email me some prayer points. I will stick them up on my desk with my other regular prayer points so I can pray for them.

Going back in time from the 7pm service. I led the 5pm service tonight. I got some positive feedback about it. But I didn't really think that it went as well as what it normally does. Maybe that is just me. I felt that the music wasn't really spot on, and everything seemed a little abrupt. It is amazing how your perception of things from up front can differ from being in the pew. It is going to be hard to leave in December. I have been thinking about what to do about handing the music over at the 5pm service. There are a few options, I will continue to pray about them this week, and hopefully approach some people next week.

Going forward in time. After the 7pm service I dropped the Twins home. Went and saw their Mum (I shall call her 'Mentor'). Mentor has just come back from a week in Thailand. She brought me back a very special suprise. It is a ring which is a watch. I can't believe that she remembered that I wanted one. I was shopping with her, well it has to be at least 18 months ago, and was looking for one. It is very funky, I shall be wearing it to my exams!

Back home now, and it is time to hit the books. That Philosophy exam later in the week is getting closer and closer. I mean seriously, how do you write an essay on how to argue?

last german for a while....

Ich bekam eine andere E-Mail von Reizend heute. Ich hatte ihrer vorherigen E-Mail geantwortet. Ich war darüber sehr vorsichtig, was ich schrieb. Ich dachte nicht, dass das Erzählen von ihr, was sie geschrieben hatte, verletzend war, würde viel erreichen.
Warum ist es dass, wenn Leute wissen, dass sie dabei sind, Sie zu verletzen, dass sie versuchen und rechtfertigen, warum sie dabei sind, es zu tun?
Warum ist es, den jene Rechtfertigungen mehr verletzen, als wenn sie Ihnen gerade erzählten?

Ich glaube, dass ich froh sein sollte, dass mein Schmerz sie nicht verletzt hat. Obwohl ich nicht sicher bin, wenn es möglich ist, sie zu verletzen, manchmal ist es, als ob sie eine Eiskönigin ist.
Ich werde fortsetzen, darüber zu beten. Und ich werde fortsetzen, Zeit in unsere Freundschaft zu stellen, wenn auch ich wirklich den verschiedenen Eindruck bekomme, dass sie keine Anstrengung darin stellt. Ich denke, dass Leben solcher ist!

I think this is the last of it, hopefully now, I have it all out of my system for a little while!!

Start of Daylightsavings

Although we lost an hour last night, it was so nice to wake up to the rain falling outside.

It is right now, as it sit snuggled up listening to the rain, that I'm not feeling at all sorry, and just a little spoilt that I don't do morning church on a regular basis.

Back to the current book of choice: Epistemology: Becoming Intellectually Virtuous by W. Jay Wood.
- well, not really choice, it is one of the set texts for our Philosophy exam on Friday -

warum Deutsch gefragt?

einige Menschen haben mich, warum Deutsch gefragt? Aus mehreren Gründen. Ich will meine deutschen Sachkenntnisse üben. Und auch will ich einige Dinge sagen, aber bin nicht sicher, wie man sie auf Englisch sagt.

Das ist alles für jetzt!

Psalm 28

To you I call, O LORD my Rock;
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.
Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.
Do not drag me away with the wicked,
with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
but harbor malice in their hearts.
Repay them for their deeds
and for their evil work;
repay them for what their hands have done
and bring back upon them what they deserve.
Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD
and what his hands have done,
he will tear them down
and never build them up again.
Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.
The LORD is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever.

und jetzt fühle ich mich: ....ermüdeter


Ich denke, dass es Nickerchen-Zeit ist!

....

mood: .... schmerz und verwirrt

Ich bekam eine E-Mail von Reizend gestern Abend. Obwohl sie offensichtlich gestellt hatte, dachte darin, wie es geschrieben wurde, war es nicht nett zu erhalten.
Ich muss darüber beten, und dadurch dem Gott übergeben.

Ich denke, dass ich einen geraden Erklärung zu meinem Gesicht aber nicht einer E-Mail bevorzugt hätte. Und daran, eine E-Mail gefüllt damit, entschuldigt nicht wirklich, aber Rechtfertigungen.

mood: ..... jämmerlich und enttäuscht

mischief in the making...

Apparently there has been a little mischief being going on. Someone switched Li'l Miss and the Musician's door hangings. There were also some suspicious looking 'ransom' notes left on their doors.

Now I know that I was the instigator of much frivolity and mischief making last year, but I have been very well behaved this year! But it didn't really come as much of a suprise that I was high up on the suspect list. Besides it is well known that I was in the area when this act was committed.

But the question is: did I have a motive? Was there motive at all? Was it a complete random? Or was it retribution?

one day closer...

It is one day closer to the summer break. As I sit here in Naughty's room, whilst she is visiting the Jedi Master, I think and dream of all the work that I am going to get done over summer. Of how I am going to be so much more organised about pre-reading for class, and even getting my assignments for next year done over summer. Yeah right. Like that is going to happen. Dreams, hopes and plans. They all have to be checked with reality!!

It has been a bit of a bizarre day. I woke ontime which should've seen me arrive at college an hour before lectures. Instead I got a little distracted by coffee with Mum, and then stuck in traffic. Eventually, I got to class around 8:30am. That would've been all good, except for the realisation after that class that I didn't actually have any other official classes today. They had either been rescheduled, or shifted into Hebrew or something else.

My time has not been frittered away with idleness though. I met up with a couple of the guys and we talked over Luther and his treatise of Freedom of a Christian. I realised that Luther's writings on Justification by faith were acutally very radical for their time, and influenced the reformation.
This discussion somehow led into a discussion on creation, humanity, marriage, children as gifts of that marriage, and how we are to live in this end times tension. It challenged me in a few areas of my thinking. It was also encouraging for my heart to sit down and play with the working out of the doctrines that we are learning.
I love being at college. My number one passion is telling people about Jesus, and I have started to see how being at college is complimenting that. It is making me all the more passionate and exciting about the studies that I am doing.

This arvo, I decided some exercise was in order, I mean after all, all that we do is sit down all day and listen, talk, listen, listen, talk, occasionally walk from one lecture theatre to another. So anyway, went for a walk with Moore Boy as it is his wife's birthday tomorrow. We went traipsed up and down King St and found something for her. I treated myself to some crafty supplies from Art on King. They give a 10% student discount there, and they have these really cute packs of offcuts which you can make all sorts of stuff from.
- Yes, I do know that this is another source of procrastination!! -

Naughty just got back, so I should hand this laptop back so as she can do some Hebrew vocab.
Tonight's plan:
Dinner with the girls
Cafe L'amour
Sleep over in Naughty's room
That's all for now

Welcome...

If you have just joined me for the first time, an especially warm welcome to you.
That's right, I have finally gotten around to emailing people to let them know that this place actually exists.
I hope you enjoy. I know it isn't as good as being able to catch up with you in real life, but this is at least a realistic attempt at being able to keep in contact with people.

Take care. Post a comment and let me know what you think, and that you dropped by.

grrrr

where do these bugs come from? They are everywhere. I think they are attracted to my desk lamp with its super bright light. But they manage to get through the screens.

I really have to get a refill for my plug in thingy. I got my first mozzie bites of the season the other day.

the days happenings:

This term I only really go to college on Wednesdays for one class. It is my fluffy day. My classes start at 8am and finish at 3pm but there doesn't seem to be alot of meat in there.
8am lecture this morning, another gold experience with PToB. We looked at Romans 4:1-11. I was almost in tears walking out. Thinking about what God has done, and how salvation is for all people, not just the Jews.

God is good.
It is such an understatement, but I just don't think I can describe him in any other way. I feel that by using other more elaborate adjectives would actually detract from his glory.

9am was my mixed chaplaincy group (or as I tend to call it: my men's chaplaincy group). We discussed issues surrounding women in ministry. It is a group of around 18 people, with only 2 girls (it highlights the stats of guys/girls who are undertaking theological training at degree level). The other girl ran it. She did a great job of it, and I think it was helpful to all there.

10:30am - meeting with NJ re candidacy. I normally have a 2 hour free in that time (nah nah to all those people who elected to do congregational leadership!!), and go and do NT work, but today it was captured with meetings. Which overall were sucessful, if only a little distraction from study. I mustn't have been trying too hard to study as I swung past Li'l Miss and the Musician's rooms but they weren't there.

11:45am - major chocolate craving. Realised that there was no way I could make it through midday lecture on litergy without some type of hit. Went across the road, and was going to get just a small bar, but remembered the Jedi Master's fancy for chocolate so went with a block.

12:05pm - went to class with block of chocolate in one hand, and diet coke in another. Managed to get 2 rows of chocolate to the Jedi Master before it was devoured by myself and classmates.

1pm - diet coke and chocolate worked. Maybe too well. Went to lunch, just a little hyped. We spent some time working out different instruments that we could make from the table items. I think I may truely have convinced some of my friends that I have lost to plot from todays antics.

1:45pm - Women's Chaplaincy Group

2:15pm - Leave group early to head to doctors to get medical certificate for exams.

blah blah blah blah

got home - cooked a delicious dinner for my family (chicken basil and tomato pasta).
not much else to report

It's official

I shared my plans for post college with a few people today. They think I have gone insane, and were asking what I have done with the real me.

Maybe I am officially insane, or crazy or mental or all three.

I make these plans, fully aware in the knowledge that God is totally in control, and that they may completely change.

I'm not crazy, I'm just a little mental

Suffice to say, that I made it through the weekend.

I took a mental health day today. I am feeling the better for it. You can almost see part of the floor in my study, and there is a section clear on my desk. Amazing!

I also got my psyche tests finished, so I'll post those off before the interview next week.

Tonights agenda:
Read Luther Primary Doc.
Sit Practice Exegetical Exam RJG set me on Friday.
And maybe some more filing and cleaning!!!

(mental health, mental testing, mental exercises... mmmm)

Ode to the 10am wakeup call

Where have you gone?
Oh for you to be back
I count the days until we can join again
Some say it is a waste
They do not understand
I wish you were here now
To work freely by night
In darkness I awake
My thoughts jump from place to place
Who am I?
What has begun?
Where am I going?
I struggle to clear my head without you
Only a few weeks til I find you again
Rediscovering our joys
Our rest
Our peace

procrastination

"A shift away from a male/female anthropology to an androgynous viewpoint, one that maintains that our sexuality is external to our essential being. Maleness and femaleness, this understanding has asserted are externalcharacteristics which have no bearning on the fundamental humanness that forms the true essence of all persons regardless of sex."

"Althought the androgyny model provoded a much-needed corrective to the traditional view concerning gender roles, its own foundational flaw soon emerged. At it basis lies a denial of all sexually based distinctions. [...] this violates the emphasis on embodiment, for it posits some ultimate humanness beyond existence as male and females. [...] The androgynous ideal is likewise theologically questionable, because it is based on an erroneous view of sin. It sees sin primarily as sensuous in nature and ascribes our sexual polarity to the fallen human nature"
S.J. Grenz, Sexual Ethics: An Evangelical Perspective (Westminster Press: Kentucky, 1990) 38

Interesting thought...
I may add it into the class discussion on egalitarianism/complementarianism.

Sermons

Man I love studying God's word!

Yesterday we heard from BSR in splict chapel. He started a 3 week series on Leviticus. I was reminded of how God allows access to everyone. Not just the rich, not just the socially acceptable. We must have a pigeon/dove view of church growth (Lev 1).

Today we heard from PToB on Ephesians 3. I was challenged about how we like to be in control of our lives. We don't like to hand that control over. So sometimes when we get into God's word, and we are growing closer, we run away, as we don't want to give that control over to him.

This afternoon spent 1.5 hours with RJG on Romans 3 and 1 Corinthians 2. Wow! Blows my mind away (and it sure is helping my greek studies).

Col 1:13-22

Col 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
Col 1:14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Col 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Col 1:19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
Col 1:20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Col 1:21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
Col 1:22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation


If you are of the praying sort, please pray that I will live a life worthy of being a child of God the Father, saved by the Son, and called by the Spirit.

mood: battered

listening to: Carson on 1 Corinthians 12-14

reading: Resurrection and Moral Order by Oliver O'Donovan

task sucess rate:
Write sermon for next Sunday - Nope
Read Hubmaier on Free Will - Check
Discuss Hubmaier on Tuesday - Check
Study Philosophy - Nope
Translate and flowchart Romans 4 - Nope
2 Exegetical exercises - Nope
Read some more Barth - Check
Understand a small amount of Barth - Jury is out
Stir the pot a little in doctrine discussions - I think this is a check

well 4 1/2 out of nine is a pass isn't it? And let's face it, the sermon will have to get done by Sunday, or else it may be a short service!!

the power nap!

it's amazing what a 40min snooze will do. I'm feeling ready to face the world once again!

my brain hurts

We have been discussing humanity, gender and authority in doctrine over the last week and a bit. It has been great. Stretched my thinking, pushed me, and challenged me. Our main brief this term is in looking at creation. This has led to some discussion on singleness. Which I add, was not raised by me for once!!

I am thinking of doing my 4th year project on singleness. I am continually narrowing and redefining my direction, so hopefully in a year and a bit, when I get to do it, I will have actually decided what angle I want to take.

I must say, that I am certainly enjoying being pushed in this area, as I think singleness from a creation point is something that I will need to address in my project. But yet at the same time as enjoying it, I am feeling weary of it. In the sense that I am feeling a little out on a limb. I find it hard to verbalise and openly disagree with something that a lecturer is saying. It seems almost disrespectful.

I have received emails and comments from some of the other singles at college, saying that they are glad that I am challenging and interacting with the debate. I must hold on to those comments, for I feel as though I am receiving beating after beating. I must also hold on to the fact that it is good for me to have to really think thoroughly about the issues at hand. But boy oh boy am I weary, exhausted, and just wanting to switch my brain off for a few hours. (I don't think getting up at 4:15am to chat to a friend in the UK helped after getting to sleep at 1am!)

me fail english?

Question posted to my doctrine discussion group:

If someone who studies biology is called a biologist, and one who studies archeology is called an archaeologist, why isn't someone who studies theology called a theologist?

2 of the most beautiful things

waking up to the rain, not an alarm clock

waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee

Creative Constraints

I finally got it finished! My painting that I have been working on is out of my hands, and what a relief. It is in an "art show" next weekend. I had finished the background around 2 months ago, and it has been laying dormant for that time. I had to get it finished to drop it off today, so I set aside a couple of hours yesterday. I am not overly happy with it, but it is done.
The theme of the art show is "Seasons of Life". I meant to take a piccy of it to post here, but ran out of time. Will try to get one next weekend. I am going to aim at getting another painting done for it, but I am a little unsure as to when.

I am feeling a little overwhelmed with my studies at the moment. Unsure of when or how I can get everything done during the hours of each week.

Tasks for this week:
Write sermon for next Sunday (1 Cor 12:12-30)
Read Hubmaier on Free Will
Discuss Hubmaier on Tuesday
Study Philosophy (realised that exam is in week 6 this term, and not in exam period)
Translate and flowchart Romans 4 (submit to RJG)
2 Exegetical exercises to submit to RJG
Read some more Barth
Understand a small amount of Barth
Stir the pot a little in doctrine discussions!

I was getting sick of pink!

3 down, 6 to go!

Have I really been back this term for three weeks? Did those 15 days really occur? As exams loom, it is not anxiousness I feel, but an awareness that I have learnt an incredible amount this year.

I loved the illustration in chapel sermon yesterday using CS Lewis. It goes something like this:
Lucy runs to Aslan, and is buried in his paws and chest. "Aslan" she cried. "Your bigger". "Yes my child, you are older" He replied. "Are you older?" Lucy asked. "Not because I am older" he replied. "Each year that you have grown, I have grown with you"

My desire is that each year I will grow in Christ. I want God to keep showing me the sin in my life. To repent, change and grow. In all things point to God, that the glory and honor go to Him.

I'm posting this as a pre-reminder to myself. I know that over the next 6 weeks there will be times of anxiety. I must remember the sermon from ealier this week, and 'cast my anxieties on God'. Reminding me that in and through God, I have and will continue to grow like Lucy.

gold 'n' good news

Got news today:

Michael H pulled me aside and unofficially told me that the penalty on my essay will be withdrawn.  YAY!  Way cool.  I still have to wait for official notification from the office.  V stoked.  I gotta get the GPA up so I can do my project.

On another note:

I am so loving PToB's lectures on Romans.  They are absolute gold!

Is anyone out there?

I got to wondering....

Who is out there reading my blog? I'd love for you to say hello. Leave me a comment. Tell me what you think!

how long can I speak for?

Another weekend has flown away to join the haze of the past year. But what a fun filled weekend it was.

Saturday night saw the celebration of a 30th birthday. An enjoyable event with Sri Lankan dancing (and lots of normal dancing as well).

Tonight it is back to the grind of getting this sermon finished. I have written about a third of it, and what I have written is about 20 mins long. Mmmmm, seeing as chick's chapel goes for 45min, and I'm sure all of that is not mine, I guess some culling will probably be in order!

I have been personally challenged through the preparation of this sermon. Maybe I will post more about that later. At this point, it is back to it!

bashings and birthday wishes

It has been a topsyturvey uspidedown day.
Mum's birthday today. Family dinner, we had a selection of Chinese and Indian dishes, all delish.

This arvo we got our Church History 2 essay back. Mine was submitted late due to a death in the family, and illness (of myself). I was under the impression that it was all going to be fine. I had spoken to my chaplain about it, he was fine, I submitted medical certificates and a letter of explanation, etc.
BUT...
I was still docked marks. NOT HAPPY JAN!!!!!!

My mood this afternoon has been one of anger and frustration, which included many tears and me wanting to scream. But I was wise and didn't act on anything in my anger. I knew that going to see The Office would not change anything. He would not change his decision for me.
I ran into RJG afterward and chatted to him for a while about it. He was, well, let's just say that RJG could understand my anger and my tears. He advised me to appeal.
Was chatting to MPJ on MSN this arvo, and he, as the marker of that essay, also said I should totally appeal. So I guess that is the track I will have to take. Well, here comes a letter to the Board of Studies.

On the bright side of this, I was touched deeply by a couple of ppl at college this arvo. When I was upset, I felt that God was showering an abundance of love over me.

Although it has been a days of up ups and down downs, I know that God is with me. He has today as with time and time again, pointed out my sins, strengths, weaknesses, and his faithfulness.

After all the tears today my eyes are burning, so it is time to stop looking at the computer screen.

ciao for now

An awesome day:

It was a great if not a little exhausting day.

It had a nice start with coffee with Mum, followed by an awesome run into town. I am loving the fact that uni holidays are on. It has meant that I can leave later for my 8am classes and still get a park near college.

First up was Pastoral Counselling. We talked about sexual addiction today. Quite an intense topic first up. I am glad that we cover things like this as it is important in pastoral work to be aware of these issues, and also in our own lives to be aware of the dangers and temptations. I hope they don't drop PC with the workload change next year.

Next up was spilt chapel. I was back on track to lead singing. I can't believe that I missed a whole term of singing due to voice problems. I am thankful that my voice has been restored as I love singing praises to God.

Morning Tea I had a great chat to one of the guys in first year re church next year and his goings on. We hadn't caught up in a few weeks, so that was nice. This was followed by Doctrine reading hour. Which instead of doing Doctrine reading, I did some translation from Romans 3 with one of the guys in our year. Good muck around, also encouraging that I knew some of the words, and could also remember some of the Wallace categories for things.

Next up was a year meeting. We got together as a year to talk about a few things, and to pray together. The prayer was great. We had a few laughs as well. There was talk of organising a marriage enrichment course early next year. The guy who was suggesting it, was lovely in that he is obviously thinking about singles and being aware of how the college community is very predominantly married. He suggested that we organise a singles enrichment weekend as well. KW caused a few laughs with the comment: "I don't see what we would be enriching." It was a laugh, and also a lovely thought to try not to be exclusive as can sometimes happen.

Last lecture of the day was New Testament. We worked through most of Romans 2. I have found it a great help that I have actually flowcharted the Greek before class, as it means that sometimes I may acutally have something intelligent to say rather than sitting there looking at the text dumbfounded.

Lunch...
I love watermelon. I love the fact that college always has fresh fruit.

Afternoon:
Spent in the library, which yes if you have read some of my previous posts you will know that it is not my favourite place. I got a good 3 hours of work done undisturbed. Translated a few more chapters of 1 Corinthians, submitted those to a lecturer who will hopefully get the chance to go through them with me.

Evening:
Residential dinner at college. Now this may seem a bit bizarre for me to go to seeing as I am not a reso this year (for those who are wondering, I lived in last year). I was touched that someone at the MTC office thought to invite me. I suppose I am still technically part of the MAC/Chappo community, although it doesn't feel like it sometimes. I have made an effort this year to maintain and grow relationships with all of the girls there, but I am certainly looking forward to living closer by next year. Esp so that I can be hospitable and have people over. And esp for the MAC girls, so I can share my place with them. A little slice of normality so to speak.

Trip home:
Managed to pick up a stray college student at a bus stop (he lives locally to me). We drove home, listening to a tape of Don Carson at summer school a few years ago on 1 Peter.

Wow, what a full day. Exhausting. I was going to stay on for Cafe la ..... or birthday drinks at the Marly for one of the girls. But decided that I needed to come home and work. Now that I am at home, and finally nearing the end of this post (what a marathon) I think that I should try and get more than my average night's sleep of 4 hours.

But when will I ever write my sermon for chick's chapel next week?

One God, three Persons

I have been sitting here reading RCD's lecture notes on: One God, three Persons, and the thought came to me...

Are we in danger of slipping away from monotheism and becoming tri-theistic? Do we teach of: God, the Father; Jesus, the Son of God; and the Holy Spirit. Or, do we teach: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Or even, do we teach: God the Father; God the Son; and God the Holy Spirit. One God, three Persons?

As reformed Christians we hold to monotheism: One God, three Persons. Father, Son and Spirit. But I think there is a danger of emphasising separateness between the members of the Trinity without focussing on the one-ness.

And something that just struck me as something to ponder…
Is the Holy Spirit in danger of falling out of the Trinity? Do we really consider the Holy Spirit to be a fully-fledged member of the Trinity (ie. fully God)? In what we say and do, do we think of the Spirit in this way? We recognise what the Father and Son have done, but we rarely recognise or acknowledge the Spirit in our lives.


Enough rambles for me, it’s back to sermon writing for chick’s chapel next Tues!!

Obedience/Faith?

Obedience/Faith?
RO 1:5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake

eij" . uJpakoh;n . pivstew"
obedience of faith…
What does the phrase actually mean? Obedience that comes from faith…
Obedience that leads to faith….

Any ideas?

Where do they come from?

Where are all the bugs coming from? They are everywhere. I have been sitting at my desk swatting constantly. There are screens on all the windows. I just can't work it out. And they are only in my study, not in my bedroom. mmmmm?

BBQ's, hot days, and Holiday Mondays

Well it certainly feels as though summer has hit early. The sun has set and the mercury is currently sitting on 27.2 at our place.

My laptop has finally completely kaput. I have spent much of today transferring data and installing programs onto a computer that has been lying dormant unber my desk for the last few months. Hang on, what is that? What is that flat surface that I see? Desk space to work on? Since when have I had carpet in this room? That is right, my study has had an overhaul, well at least half of it has, the other half is being stuck into in a few moments. This was a necessity, in order to find my desk to set up my PC.

As for the BBQ front...
it was great to catch up with my buddy Ren yesterday. She's been OS for a few years. It was a little bizarre, I don't think that crew has been together like that for a while. Nic was also over from NZ for the weekend. Another altogether short visit from her, I'm looking forward to a longer stint at Christmas time, and even perhaps going for a visit next year!

Another BBQ today with some friends from Newport. Had to cut it short :(

Menu tonight: BBQ with the fam

I could get used to having Holiday Mondays each week. Esp if it involves: sun; sand; water; BBQ lunches; good friends; and cold refreshments.