a month of posts - day twenty

It's been quite a turbulent quarter with many things changing in the big wide world of Perth... in my opinion anyway... the whirlwind state election (which is being governed in coalition at the moment), my work's major restructure which still has not yet been settled since it was announced in May, the international economy crashing, Perth's property market having its big ups and downs, etc. But I was reminded by Mark Connor (my pastor when I was living in Melbourne) who spoke at church over this weekend that we should be living for things of eternal value - knowing God, loving and valuing people, and investing our time, talent and resources into our world a better place, and to have a generous spirit. I find that when I get anxious and uncertain, that's when I tend to curl inwards and not want to give... call it self-preservation or whatever, but I pray that I will be able to live larger.

the You Are Beautiful project

Currently loving:
- My colleagues who help lighten up my day, cracking jokes, sharing food, supporting one another... (even through our vigorous sweaty lunch time circuit training sessions!)

a month of posts - day seventeen

The Youth program is back and running for Term 4 after a two week break that seemed much too long at times... Seeing the youth make new friends, discover their own spiritual journey, and having the opportunity to share life and just hear what they've been up to makes me smile. I was rostered today to drive some of the youth from the Cockburn (pronounced 'co-burn') Central campus up to the Burswood campus which hosts the Youth program. Normally there are two or more leaders who drive up with the youth, but there weren't too many of them tonight so I was the sole driver. I was a little anxious at first as some of them can be a bit of a handful at times... but the drive to and from Youth was great fun, the kids were cracking jokes and they made me laugh. They are such an inspiration! I'm getting pumped for summer camp next year! The promo video is extremely enticing... well done milton, clarebear and jess... the hypothermia from the freezing water was worth it!

Currently loving:
- Blue brie and pate... hmm dinner.

a month of posts - day eight

Love visual worship... being able to express our adoration, our thoughts, our prayers in a different medium. I was recently introduced to this video, “New Creation” performed at Fellowship Church, and it gave me goosebumps...

and here's a couple older pics from my church's visual worship experiences (photos from Kym Rolle)

Currently loving:
- making fresh batches of honey joys
- the jeopardy-like bible trivia night with my connect group

the august update

Images captured in August...

Youth at Riverview

At the semi-finals of the wheelchair basketball league - wheelcats vs roller hawks...



Early spring blooms at home... my tribute to dad's hard work in the garden



I made raspberry swirl cheesecakes with oreo bases... and they were very yummy so I made some more



Sarah Gerlach came over to Perth to visit her family and we caught up over dinner; I knitted a scarf for my sisterinlaw and I even added pompoms... quite an achievement; On a shopping excursion Brisa spotted this gorgeous accessory... how could we not purchase it?!; and I got to meet for the first time my cousin's son Josiah when the two were in Perth for one short week.

More pics click here

another month of posts - day twentyseven

The Vine Band's new album 'From Ashes to Beauty' has finally reached my hands. I received a copy of the CD and DVD in the mail this weekend thanks to Cliff for being my HK postie. This album is definitely going to be played on repeat for a very long time! I am really loving the songs!

another month of posts - day twenty

Church's theme for this month has been 'Jesus, Light of the World'... tonight adam spoke and illustrated his message by using the camera lens and how the iris of the lens funnels light into the camera. Adam also shared his personal life story and it was really powerful. Reminded me of Matthew 5:13-15, and how light may be all around, but when it is surrounded by darkness, light becomes a focus point. I pray that my life will be more and more saturated in His light and that I will be able to have more opportunities to be His light in the lives of those around me.

another month of posts - day fourteen

Throughout all the weekend services at church there were guests from Urban Neighbours of Hope (UNOH) who spoke and performed in each session... Last night, Mike Duncan spoke about the emotional poverty and the devastation it can cause. I guess it's no coincidence that I have had this topic revealed to me more recently... even through novels. I pray that God will continue to guide and show me how to love, have compassion towards others, teach me to forgive and how to relate. I feel so blessed to have an amazing girl friends around me who encourage, inspire and support. There are so many hurting people... and I pray that we may all reach out even just a little to those around us and make a positive difference in their world.

Below is one of the bracelets that church is selling to help raise money for the UNOH mission work in Klong Toey, Bangkok.