Jo on a Journey

EQ posts

2011-01-17T15:55:00.002+13:00

For our EQ experience posts see Oct mainly

Welcome Home

2011-01-07T17:11:00.000+13:00

Here we are back in Brooklands after our holiday and looking forward to an interesting year. I am excited and overwhelmed at the possibilities in store for the Communities of the Styx area. As people come home from holiday (of course not all have been able to have a break) there is a huge task awaiting them - rebuilding our suburbs.

Some people have had enough already - here is one local response to the waiting game for news of rebuilding

Having meet with these people and heard their story of weeks and now months of gapping sewer holes dug in their front yard I understand their pain. No amount of comparison to how bad it could be makes their daily life easier.

Kia kaha

Pilgrimage part two

2011-01-01T15:23:00.000+13:00

So obviously I didn't get the part two finished back in Nov and now I have had another trip to the diverse Super City.

This time my old boss and mentor called me back to work to give me good news about an old case. I started my working life here with a wonderful teacher of law and life. I do miss that life and would even consider renting a leaky home for the next few years if only I wasn't called to the Styx Communities.

I met the love of my life in this city too - the beach and a date what more could we want.

We ate and shopped at China Town; finally I have training chopsticks. We spent time with our Auckland and Hamilton family; roller-coasting, picnicing, gift giving and just being together was a great way to begin to feel on holiday.

I finally got to experience worship Cityside style and loved their Christmas Eve service.

And now it's 2011 - I have made a resolution at the prompting of this new mentor - "not to care so much what others think".

Happy New Year - I am excited at the opportunities we face in 2011 in our island nation of diversity, pain, rebuilding and hope.

Pilgrimage home

2010-11-26T08:20:00.000+13:00

I didnt think i would be back in my adopted home for another U2 show in four years or that I would blog on an iPad. It's amazing how much I feel at home in the city, must be a townie after all. Now if the U2 boys could make it a four year tradition that would be perfect.

Stops on this pilgrim's journey so far have been
Onehunga Mall cafe
The hard to find book shop
HJ and RJs new home just off Campbell rd where we lived and had our wedding reception
Mt Smart with the Edge, Bono, Adam and Larry, HJ and RJ, and Alice and Marcus only two rows away without any planning

Today is getting to Dress Mart in Onehunga
oh yeah I didn't make it yesterday as my dear hubby booked me a firm seat with fly buy points all paid for, no staff standby. Neither of us noticed it was for 9.30 pm until I got to the gate. I made it on the 11am flight by no small miracle. Just a tad stressed with 3 U2 tickets in my bag.

So I think breakfast is called for at a cafe or shall I save my budget for shopping.

today will also see me back in Shortland St, no not the sitcom the one just off Queen st where I started my legal career. taking the camera so the story will continue ....

Lament for the Coast

2010-11-25T06:44:00.002+13:00

Jesus wept,

and in his weeping,

he joined himself forever

to those who mourn.

He stands now throughout all time,

this Jesus weeping,

with his arms about the weeping ones:

“Blessed are those who mourn,

for they shall be comforted.”

He stands with the mourners,

for his name is God-with –us.

Jesus wept.

“Blessed are those who weep, for they shall be comforted.”
Some-day. Someday God will wipe the tears from Rachel’s eyes.

In the godforsaken, obscene quicksand of life,

there is a deafening alleluia

rising from the souls

of those who weep,

If you watch, you will see

the hand of God

putting the stars back in their skies

one by one.
ANN WEEMS

Standing together - North Canty - Styx - Greymouth - Te Puke

2010-11-22T08:35:00.000+13:00

Kaiapoi Baptist had a prayer service on Sunday and these are my notes for the community corner - keep on praying ...

Community prayer - ideas

Spiritual Awakening

Patience, Strength & Hope for those with damaged homes

Protection against family violence and crime

Support for those who live alone

Willingness to ask for help

Couples to communicate

Parents to be a good team and wisdom for stressed kids

Fathers/Men to be leaders & protectors in their families

Mothers/women to balance nurture and self care

Hope -Recovery from & protection against despair and discouragement

Post Earthquake-what would God have us do in our communities?

Support for family, friends and churches in Greymouth

Standing together with Te Puke Baptist and their communities

Guy Fawkes Rant

2010-11-05T16:39:00.000+13:00

Its time for animals to hide and fire men to be on alert again; although as I publish this it’s pouring with rain outside so maybe it will be tomorrow night. We did get a box of sparklers this year as Beky is finally old enough to be responsible with them – I hope. I was saddened though to see the Warehouse (never a fav of mine!!) with the large boxes labeled “reload”. If that doesn’t imply “let’s use these as a weapon” what does. I am off to the advertising standards after this!!

I remember fondly my mum helping organise our local guy fawkes nights back in the village of Lauriston. We sold home made chips and candy floss and raised lots of money for the play centre. We had a bomb fire and a guy competition and I learned some first political lessons about why we would burn big scarecrows (for a history of Guy Fawkes go here). All those gum boots going up in smoke was ok in rural NZ. The night always finished with the local men on a trailer doing the fire works. Unfortunately it came to an end after one night a tin of sand fell over and a fire work headed into the crowd and just missed the son of the man who had lit it. It was just too dangerous.

I still prefer organized events with profession Pyrotechnics and its great fun to watch from our beach location. Last year I learnt of another festival that celebrates a pacifist Maori story and (with my hat always off to Mr Taylor) I thought how much I would prefer to celebrate Parihaka over a tradition that came from the "Mother Land". Parihaka commemorates the peaceful resistance by a village in Taranaki who were all imprisoned on 5 Nov 1881 for refusing to leave their land. Peaceful resistance is a good thing to celebrate and it coincides so well with the explosions that will ring around our communities tonight. Is there something that you could resist in a peaceful way this year … I am going to think about that as we light our sparklers.

Many types of guilt

2010-10-24T06:37:00.000+13:00

I have been thinking about “guilt” for a while now and struggling with my response as an activist to various forms of guilt. I want to make up for it or fix it but I don’t want to bash others with it. But is it even helpful for me to think about it this way …

Guilt is a useful emotion when it points out what you personally have done and then you can make amends and seek forgiveness.

Here are some other type of guilt by comparison that have caused me trouble:

Survivor guilt:

Is that felt by some who is better off than another following a trauma. So for us right now if we compare to anything; from Haiti to people who need to rebuild and have huge mortgages, we feel bad about our own better circumstances. But what good is that if we just feel bad about our own needs that are real too. If we have something in our power and boundaries to help then lets do it.

Post –colonial guilt:

This may be felt when we look at our history as a nation and wish it had been done differently

Post –evangelical guilt:

I feel this when I wish I had been a gentler evangelical and while I am glad to move on it’s been a big chunk of my life. I must be getting old as I now look back even further I have post-liberal guilt too!!

Comparison –guilt

As general term I think this occurs when we look at someone’s situation and want to rescue them. Where is the line between sacrifice and giving verses letting consequences fall where they lie.

This is all just mulling arounds of mine so please don’t take it as gospel – you could try this ….

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

(from letter to the Hebrews 10:22-23)

Feeling for both sides of the river

2010-10-19T09:37:00.000+13:00

This is the week of waiting ... I am over waiting and being patient but am carried as well. Brooklands is waiting for news about our land status. Only some of us will be in the release this week of the geotech report. "this" week could become "next" again yet. I celebrate that 1200 Canterbury people will get the information and pray for how they handle that.

We are also watching our beloved river and waiting for correct information - it stinks (yes it is a pun!!) We poo in the port a loos for number 2s and wonder why someone would knock one over.

this is some of my photo walk yesterday - I love this place so I hurt

This last shot shows the Kairaki Yatch club over the other side in Waimakariri District. They are very hard hit and waiting too. So are our friends in Kaiapoi. Please join me in prayer to support these communities

Fruit from Te Puke

2010-10-09T06:54:00.002+13:00

Te Puke Baptist Church is situated amongst some of the best fruit growing areas of NZ.

They produce great kiwi fruit and oranges and also awesome Christian people who have shared their gifts with us this week. The church sent 28 people south to help out in Kaiapoi and Brooklands following the EQ. They even brought 8 crates of oranges with them.

After doing a FROG holiday programme in Te Puke the first week of the holidays they brought it down to us and the kids had 5 awesome mornings. There were lots of tears when the kids had to say good bye yesterday. Beky invited lots of her friend which saved me a lot of play dates last week. A couple of the mums shared with me just how special the programme had been to their kids. Beky is hoping the might join her at Sunday school too. The team was so full of energy which we are starting to lack around here.

The rest of the team were very busy around the communities fixing, cleaning and supporting people whose homes have been badly affected. I even got my windows cleaned which makes such a difference when I look out the window – I can see the portaloo more clearly!! J

On Wednesday it was Brooklands turn to welcome Te Puke and together with our Kaiapoi Baptist Fuller Lunch team they gave lunch to a variety of people. We had a couple of EQC guys who were looking for a local café. We had to point out that the Restaurant is on the red list and that the dairy was a great start. Of course we suggested they come back for lunch and they did giving people a chance to chat with them during their lunch hour. The ladies at the dairy were so good at advertising the lunch as were the residents group so we had a nice mix of people. Of course we had a mail box drop by KBC people on Sunday too. It was a real highlight for me having dreamed about community development in my beloved Styx area for some time now.

So it’s hard to say good bye to our new friends – but Te Puke is not that far away - especially via face book. Thank you is not enough to say but we praise God for you all. Safe trip home. Keep producing great fruit guys.

Big Give Blessing

2010-10-04T21:02:00.002+13:00

On Friday I had the privilege of meeting a team from Lifeway College in Snells Beach north of Auckland. They were in Rangiora doing a school holiday programme and also blessing families through the big give project. It was an example of all things working for good in the end. I had suggested two Brooklands families in need of blessing but it didn’t work out for either. One is now on our Te Puke list J

When the team called to see if there was anything they could still do I asked if they could do a couple of jobs for me instead. Of course they could!! They picked up a package I had forgotten to collect for my dear hubby and got be out of trouble there. One cut up the flyers we needed for the letterbox drop advertising this weeks events. The two guys in the team where both of island decent. They turned up in singlets and jandles after a hot nor west day inland. Despite the coastal nor east wind being much colder they shoveled and swept sand and washed plastic boxes outside.

One result was my “EQ garden” was ready to plant at the weekend. A good mix of silt and compost – now all I need to do is remember to water it.

Thanks so much for the blessing team

EQ part one

2010-10-01T08:19:00.000+13:00

After I woke to the first wave of the quake I made it to my daughter’s room in a flash. Unlike some of my friends I made it down the hall at the right time and didn't end up with bruises. I dived over my 8year old and lay there telling her it would stop soon but thinking we really should get to the door way and out of the way of her bookcase. As soon as it stopped we were all back in bed with my “oh so calm hubby”.

We live in the same neighbourhood watch group as the fire station - best group in town. We see headlights passing the windows and it seems just like a usual fire call - the firemen are out already I think. Later I find out that's the people who thought "tsunami" heading out. Then we hear the water gushing - later when EQC visit we find its liquefaction under our bedroom floor - thankfully on the pile part of the house.

So hubby puts on his gumboots to check out what the water is - he heads to our neighbours thinking it’s their water pipes and to check on them. He can tell the next part himself but when he eventually gets back he has checked with the firemen that its best to stay put and helped a guy who drove into the large crack near the bridge. My hero doesn't even mention tsunami till the morning. My daughter and I are too busy sorting out the texting to think of that.

I want to text our out of town family so they hear from us before the news. I get a text or two off and run out of credit. So we have a torch, visa and phone to top up. Between the confusion and Miss 8 reading the card numbers we manage to put $60 on instead of $20 (came in handy in the end). Another text or two and phone is flat - no power for two days ... I so want one of those CD torches I have heard about that you can even charge your phone with.

The next week was a horrid blur - my Hero has to go to USA for work but I am blessed with an amazing family who step in for us. I cry when we head over to Upper Riccarton for a break - I love Brooklands - it’s my home.

We are going to face trying times in our community as people wait for answers to questions about land, homes and sewer. There are no answers known to council or government yet but the wait is hard. Amongst it all we are blessed though - Sallies come round, Baptist teams from Auckland and Te Puke are on their way. Firemen from around NZ and even from NY are offering help.

Next week (second of school hols) we have:

Free holiday programme for kids in Kaiapoi

Free Lunch in Brooklands Hall for those who like quieter environments - wed 6 Oct 11.45

Free stress response session - Brooklands Hall Wed 6 Oct evening

24-7 our local heroes, especially those in the fire brigade continue to serve us while this time it's their homes that are affected too.

Kia Kaha Brooklands - you are the best community to live in

Jo Wall 1 Oct 2010

Not the Fruit I expected

2009-11-12T09:05:00.000+13:00

Thank God not all weeks are like this one. Monday I had my final exam at Laidlaw College after 4 years of study. Wednesday should have been the 5^th birthday of our second child Jodi that we lost in miscarriage. The dream of a second child ended on Anzac weekend and our due date was the 11/11/04; interestingly Armistice Day. This year Beky became aware of her lost sibling and so the 5^th birthday was especially hard. Beky would have loved to be taking her little Jodi to school and expressed her thoughts so well:

Today Jodi you would have gone to school with your big sister Beky. If you were scared or nervous you would have someone to comfort you, me Beky. We miss you. Give great Nana a hug on your way to school.

As part of processing our grief Steve and I planted a plum tree in our backyard and this year it’s laden with fruit – just not the fruit I was expecting. I expected to be excited at the end of preschool years and to be fearful at passing my second precious child over to school teachers for the next season of learning. I expected tears but not ones that Beky and I would share so deeply.

Instead I have been preschooler free for three years and I have another piece of paper saying I can survive academic life. I was so very privileged to be given a scholarship in 2005 for a years worth of study at Laidlaw College; and they let me drag it out for 4 years. I have learnt so much and grown heaps, turned many faith corners and have interesting, exciting and scary options ahead. I am deeply grateful.

So my new beginning this week is not what I had planned but God is amongst it. I would still have rather been sorting out disputes over who got to sit in the front seat of the car after school but this season of preschool/tertiary is over. I am glad I have Steve and Beky to walk with me into the next seasons. We will always long for Jodi to be walking this way too. We lit a candle here.

Emmaus Communion

2009-09-19T10:57:00.001+12:00

I am leading communion tomorrow and thought I'd put my notes up here too ... They are the same as the ones I am leaving in our foyer where some of our congregation dwell

Communion in the Foyer??

These are my notes for communion today – feel free to join in

Ritual of communion remembers the last supper – Jesus tells us to gather together and eat together and remember him

The next eating together story in gospel of Luke is after the journey on the road to Emmaus

A couple of disciples walk down hearted away from Jerusalem and don’t recognise Jesus until he joins them for a meal at the end of the journey and breaks bread with them

Luke 28- 32

By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, ²⁹ but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. ³⁰ As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. ³¹ Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

³² They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scripture

Where is God at work around us that we haven’t notice yet?

Slide one:

Image The Moorish Kitchen Maid

Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez

Spanish painter 1600s portraits

(hat tip Steve Taylor the out of Bounds church)

Left hand corner is Jesus eating with two disciples at Emmaus

Focus is Maid in foreground

Going about her work but attracted to community around Jesus

Listening, drawn in

She is on the margins due to her status as a maid and her gender

She is not invited to the meal but she is interested

In my imagination Jesus would be aware of her interest and I wonder …

Would he invite her to join them? Would she feel comfortable in the context?

Would he take his plate and offer to eat with her in the kitchen? Would he be helping her with the dishes after the meal and seeking community with her too?

I wonder how Jesus would move in this scene

Slide two Response:

What does this mean for us?

Are you at the table with Jesus?

Are you at a table with other disciples / followers of Jesus?

If not then that might be your response today – to join Jesus and to join us

If you are comfortable with that you are warmly invited to join us at the table today

You are also invited to talk and prayer with us about coming to this place of closeness to Jesus. Prayer team is available following service

If you have sat at the table with Jesus and his followers is there others who are on the margins but within your reach?

What would your response today?

May be

· Can’t see anyone else and just need to sit some more

· Can’t see anyone else but could ask God to show you someone

· Maybe you have noticed someone – in your life that you could come along side

· Maybe that person you have been along side is ready for an invitation to join the community of disciples

Coming to the table today – its set like a kiwi meal

There are tortillas because they are my family’s favourite meal

There is sparkling grapejuice because that is my family’s celebration drink

Around the church there are yellow post it notes and pens for you to symbolize your response with

Maybe

· Your initials and leave it on the table

· Someone’s initals that you want to bring before God

· A prayer for God to open your eyes

· A reminder to go in your diary or on your calendar

Free to use the post it notes as you wish

You are invited to join us at this table today

Prayer :

Bless these symbols of your body and blood to us and through us

Help us to be in community with you and each other

Help us beware of those who are drawn to you but on the margins of our community

Thank you for your example Jesus

Amen

Derek Lind “What we know”

Rite of passage

2009-09-12T06:29:00.002+12:00

Beky finally won the nagging battle to get her ears pierced yesterday. We had a deal about proper tooth brushing and she has had shiny teeth for the last couple of weeks.

My little girl is growing up too fast for me. Now she has beautiful earring to go with her beautiful face. She has often told us how many other kids have earrings already and especially liked to point out that our Sri Lankan friends baby has hers done. Yet in our culture it's a more grown up girl thing. Much younger than it was for me.

I had tears first as I knew it was another sign of her moving to independence. She was so brave and even though she had witnessed a younger friend have hers done she didn't expect it to hurt. She's not a tough kid usually but was so strong until we started to leave the shop and it hit her and she cried for a good 15 mins. I even had to go back to the chemist and get her some panadol.

Growing up is painful for us all

Inheriting my mothers service

2009-09-04T06:59:00.002+12:00

I was excited to borrow lots of books for my next essay from a real Christchurch treasure ( an Asian theological library) When I showed Beky one title "inheriting our mothers gardens" she asked me to explain "inheriting" and then ...said she'd want my computer and ipod not my garden!!!! I don't think these ones will be much use by then ...

then I thought maybe it has something to do with the fact I am more connected to my technology than my garden!!

So my book would be called "Inheriting my mothers service" as I come from a long line of women and men who serve.

Beky's would be "inheriting my mother's technology"

Steve's reaction - no-one makes a profit from academic books - Anyone have some evidence to help me answer that one?? The fact I might not write with the aim of making a profit won't work at this point ...

I've had nothing to say

2009-08-20T17:02:00.004+12:00

Its been over a year since I blogged
Facebook has taken over because it seems quicker I think

Mainly though I've had nothing to say -

Now I have lots to say but do I have time to say it here??

I watched the movie Romero today (1970s in El Salvador) as an example of liberation theology. I cried lots - one of the young women martyed called the archbishop the "people's voice". What a Privilege

Praying I will use my voice and talents wisely

Before you hit send

2008-08-22T08:48:00.002+12:00

If making a comment on a website your husband administers think carefully. This comment emailed to info at the canscoot site didn't go to Steve but another guy in the club.

Hey do the women in the club like to be called ladies or women?? Or girls even – guys and ladies doesn’t match. Gentlemen and ladies, men and women, guys and guys/girls
Love your chick
Jo

Not sure if I will be endearing myself to the women in the club after all

Boyfriend

2008-08-09T19:30:00.002+12:00

There is a little boy in Beky's class called Jacob and they call each other boyfriend and girlfriend. She announced the other day that he wanted to take her to Burger King on a date. I asked her how he was going to pay for it and she confidently replied that he had $8 from the tooth fairy. We got a mental picture of a little boy pulling out all his teeth ...

Then I said no she had to wait till he could afford the Crown Plaza - then Dad put his foot down saying "no way there are rooms there"

It would be cute if it wasn't so scary

24 four hours of mud

2008-03-02T16:24:00.006+13:00

Our team Jo Sparkles has completed the Relay for Life along with 90 other teams. The first half was continual rain which made for lots of mud but it was hot and sunny to finish off today. The rain stopped for the first time last night right on cue for the 9pm candle light cermony where people had decorated white bags in memory and support of loved ones. The simple ceremony had the crowd sing Sound of silence, Blowing in the wind and finished with a lone trumpet playing Amazing Grace. The crowd couldn't help joining in by huming. There were not many dry eyes. Blowing in the wind asked the right questions and people seemed to find some answers in sharing in the expression of grace together. It was a good example of God meeting the community where they are at and it was an honour to be part of.

Lydia did a great job with the banner which was carried with pride.

Lent assignment two

2008-02-20T20:33:00.005+13:00

The second assignment in the Lent series I am doing asked me to go to a wilderness place. I didn't manage to do it at time when I could leave our property but I easily found a wilderness close to home. It was distracting at first as it reminded me of work we had missed over the weekend by choosing to make a raft for the Brookland's community raft race instead of mowing lawns. I could hear the sea clearly though and was grateful for a warm still night. I heard few cars and only one noise from inside the house - a text message arriving. Then a "fairy" blew in front of me and got me on my knees following its path.

That simple movement from butt to knees got me talking to God about the stuff of the day. Kneeling with unanswered questions in our wilderness ...

Easter Whatever Project

2008-02-18T19:43:00.002+13:00

This Easter we are interacting with Kaiapoi through a Tui medium. Three banners will be around the town and postcard will be given away in shops. The wording of the three banners is soon to be decided. Any suggestions welcome

Lent

2008-02-12T12:34:00.001+13:00

Lent (the 40 days plus sundays leading up to Easter) is here. While I was looking for something to use as a devotional - seeing I have just finished my Advent one!! I found this website that is doing a joint lent journey so thought I'd try it out. http://spirit2go.blogspot.com/

The first task is to create a lent cross to have in your home so I combined my "stuff" from my desk into one

The scrapbook cutter represents things I have had to set aside during study years. My Lily from Steve represents things that get pushed out but shouldn't. My broken heart story is here. Below it is the word "sent". The boxes have various treasures and collections in them.

Next I was to create a collection of 7 things I would would most want to take with me if I was travelling 40 days into the desert. The first one is my smart arse reply -if you don't get it read Luke 10. If you do get it read Luke 10 again, and again and again ...

Seriously ...

The items are placed on a piece of fabric that represents entering Lent - a wilderness experience.

These are things that sustain me spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. I had to fight my urge to be practical and only took matches and I need them for the candles anyway. I thank God for the bible, prayer and medication. My Indian angel I talked about here. I am trusting for food and water but this type of cup represents spiritual food too.

Why I am doing Relay for Life

2008-02-06T15:41:00.000+13:00

On the 1st & 2nd of March I am in a team doing the 24 hour relay raising money for the Cancer Society. Its at QEII in Christchurch and anyone is welcome to join in on the track with us. My goal is to run for 1.5 hours (I usually manage 45mins and have been slack over summer!!) and that will be about 8am on the Sunday morning. If you would like to contribute to the Cancer Society and I haven't emailed you leave me a comment and I will send you a sponsorship invite.

There are several reasons for me to do the Relay besides wanting to support a group of people who care so well for cancer sufferers.
* My Mum is alive and I get free Mammograms
* In 2006 we lost Jean James a wonderful lady
* In 2007 we lost Jo Franklin who is still sparkling http://www.josparkles.com/home/
* My cousin Daphne is fighting cancer - please pray she would find joy in life

To find out more about Relays around NZ go here

Our Tribute

2008-01-22T10:34:00.000+13:00

Beky and I passed the Brooklands fire station yesterday as they were putting the flag up to half mast for Sir Ed. Beky wrote a note to his wife when we got home and I suggested she might like to take some flowers to the fire station. This is her tribute to a great humanitarian ...

Christmas peace prayer

2007-12-28T07:14:00.000+13:00

I wrote this for our Christmas Eve service:

For all who face suffering or tragedy this Christmas,

Lord bring peace

For those who miss loved ones,
We think especially of Jonno and Glenda’s family,

Lord bring peace

For those recovering from the Earthquake in Gisborne,

Lord bring peace

For the families of those who have had tragic deaths in Brooklands this year,
We think of Graham Condon’s family,
The girls who were in the car that collided with him,
We think of Emma Agnew’s family and friends,

Lord bring peace

For victims of domestic violence that escalates as families are stressed,
For the women’s refuges that will over flow in the next week,

Lord bring peace

For those who are hungry, alone and afraid in our world,
In places like Darfur & Zimbabwe,

Lord bring peace

For those without homes in Bangladesh,

Lord bring peace

For those who live in war zones,

Lord bring peace

For those among us who have physical, emotional or spiritual pain,

Lord bring peace

As we remember your coming into our world,
You came to bring healing,
You came to bring wholeness,
You came to make everything new,

Lord bring peace

Online Advent Calendar

2007-12-16T14:48:00.000+13:00

Just looked at this online Advent Calendar - well worth checking out
Thanks to Steve Taylor and Olive Drane

yell or take a photo

2007-12-16T14:14:00.000+13:00

Any parent knows those moments you either loose it or get the camera for evidence on her 21st. Beky's latest opps was washing the car with sand paper. We knew she didn't mean to cause damage when we saw the look on her face. I asked her if it was sandpaper she had used and did she know sand paper took off paint ... It mostly polished out. Just as well it wasn't the Vespa or Daddy might not have been so forgiving.

Here she is as an Angel this morning - more photos on Facebook

Advent blessing

2007-12-13T19:41:00.000+13:00

This Advent I was lent a book which is becoming a highlight. It has a short devotion each day ending in prayer. Its called "Lighted Windows" after the story of the "Little Match Girl" and is by Margaret Silf. Here's a prayer I particularly liked following on from Jeremiah 17:7 - the image of a tree planted by a stream being well sustained.

Lord, I live "above ground" for most of my waking moments. Teach me the way to my tap root (like a tree) in you. Clear the deepest channels of my being so that your love and and grace can flow freely to the exposed edges of my living. Amen

Praying you will find sustainance during Advent too

Gift to Kaiapoi

2007-12-02T09:07:00.000+13:00

This was our entry in the Kaiapoi Santa parade yesterday. Just as well I took a photo before we lost it off the trailer (twice!). There is something incarnational about a battered gift though I guess??? Beky did forgive me for letting her two favourite things - Dora the doll and her blanket bounce down the road. All ok

My Indian Angel

2007-11-24T16:38:00.000+13:00

While I was deep in preparation of an essay on aid and development and Christian mission I got this card in the mail. It ended up by the computer and the look on this amazing girl's face kept me going. Really how could I struggle with the privlege of education in her gaze?? The card is made by tear fund and she is part of a project in India.

Easily distracted

2007-11-17T13:14:00.001+13:00

Am studying in a quiet house thanks to Mum
Am easily distracted by the computer
Love that the study is interesting
eg Job on human suffering
culture and generation x
Am looking forward to the rest of life starting next weekend

Darlene's blog

2007-10-22T16:40:00.002+13:00

A friend of mine has written a daily devotional for many years now and faithfully sent it to a wide email list. She has made it into a blog as well. You can find it here

UBOs

2007-10-22T16:38:00.000+13:00

Last night Beky got up several times and the last excuse was "there is something in my bedroom but I don't know what it is". I asked her if it was a UBO (Unidentified Bedroom Object) and she thought I had better come and check it out for her. It turned out to be a torch that she was feeling guilty about hiding. Strange lights in the bedroom ...

Students' daughter

2007-10-22T16:36:00.000+13:00

Beky said to Steve and I the other day "why are you two always talking about assignments". Didn't want to put her off homework by explaining too much ...

Thundies and other things made in NZ

2007-10-16T16:55:00.000+13:00

I'm always on the look out for things made in NZ
Mainly since watching the movie China Blue last year

Thunderpants make Thundies and tshirts
Fin make trousers - many variations on flared theme
Groundeffect make mountain bike gear

Happy shopping ...

Student life

2007-10-16T16:54:00.000+13:00

1996 words finshed at 1am
72 references
One assignment down
3 more to go and 2 exams
Rest of life on hold till end of Nov!!

Baptised in mud

2007-09-15T21:01:00.000+12:00

Kim and Tara helped me baptise Gracie in an appropriate way ...

Be still

2007-09-15T20:55:00.000+12:00

I was looking at our big tree the other day and realised if I stopped long enough I could see all the birds darting around. I could only see glimpses of them and couldn't see their whole flight path. But there were heaps of them - which I miss most days. Maybe if I can't see where life is I need to be still myself.

Gracies first outing

2007-09-15T10:23:00.000+12:00

I have a new mountain bike and I'm enjoying it

My old bike was sentimental
It was the first gift Steve gave me
But it had started to fall apart

Wednesday I went for my first ride
I was so excited that four blocks from home I noticed I had forgotten my music. Then I noticed I had also forgotten my helmet!!

Why Gracie
A friend told me her bike had a name so as I was riding I was trying to think of a good one. I love the concept of Grace and then U2 came on singing their version of "Grace". I love how they describe it:

Grace
She takes the blame
She covers the shame
Removes the stain
It could be her name

Grace
It's a name for a girl
It's also a thought that
Changed the world ...

She travels outside
Of karma ...

Because grace makes beauty
Out of ugly things
Grace finds beauty
In everything
Grace finds goodness
In everything

Isolating Illness

2007-09-03T19:24:00.000+12:00

I have just had a week of the flu and it’s that time of year when there are bugs going through families everywhere. As a parent it’s such a juggle with the family’s health some times keeping you at home for long periods. But then that’s just the flu what about the more long term illnesses whether it is physical or mental.

Jesus told a story of a woman who reached out through a crowd for him to heal her. She had been bleeding for 12 years. As Chris Grantham in the kiwi bible puts it was “like having a permanent monthly”. Now that would be bad enough in our culture but added to the physical problems in her culture she was considered “unclean”. That meant she could not eat or worship with her family and that anyone who touched her would also be “unclean”. She had been excluded from community for twelve years. By touching Jesus’ jacket she became immediately well.

Other things can isolate us too but illness and peoples reactions to that illness often do. No matter what our personality we all need contact with other people sometimes particularly other adults. If you are feeling isolated by something reaching out is still scary so be brave. If you can’t get out your door reach for the phone or computer. Jesus felt the woman’s touch amongst a pressing crowd – God is not too busy.

sleeping in?

2007-08-18T11:34:00.000+12:00

Simon Barnett talks a lot of dribble on More Fm but this comment yesterday has stayed with me:
What all parent dream of is a weekend in bed
Sleeping, eating, watching TV, reading
All in bed if you choose

No wonder when I was asked for the highlight of my week I said my sleep in - to 8.30 even last sunday!!

any other parents relate!??

Time Out - the story of a waiting parent

2007-08-09T20:40:00.000+12:00

I just wrote this both for my missional church paper at Bible College and to give to the ladies at coffee group next week.

Time Out - the story of a waiting parent

I have a strong willed little lady who doesn’t mind being in her room for time out. “I’ll just play with my toys” she says. In my better moments I try and follow Diane Levy’s advice in her book “Of course I love you … NOW GO TO YOUR ROOM!”. She points out that time out isn’t a punishment rather a thinking space for the child until she is ready to comply. Thinking can be done in pleasant places. So I wait for her to be ready to get dressed, eat breakfast, pick up something she has dropped etc.

The waiting can be hard especially if the school bus is due so I practice most in the afternoon! There is a story in the bible about a parent who had to wait for his son to comply with the house rules. The “prodigal son” (Luke 15: 11- 32) chose time out or “emotional distance” as Diane Levy calls it. She even relays a story of her teenage daughter who would take time out at friend’s places for several days. That must have been hard to wait for.

So how did the father in the bible story wait? It has been described as “expectant and intentional waiting and preparation”. All along he was waiting for his son to internalise the house rules. Then he was waiting for him to return but he didn’t follow him or send him a pleading post card. I can’t knock on the bedroom door and try to talk her into being ready. The father was preparing to celebrate the son’s return. I need to be ready to celebrate compliance in an appropriate way not give a lecture when she finally comes out of the room. I’m not sure if time out teaches kids compliance or parents’ patience!!

Kiwi films

2007-08-04T20:17:00.000+12:00

I have spent today with my Bible College class finishing off the "gospel and film" paper that I have really enjoyed. We set up a new website with reviews of kiwi films called "Kiwi Christians watching kiwi films". I did a review of River Queen together with Isabelle. Much of my writing energy this year has gone into assignments which are too long to blog. Here is one of them online.

Facebook

2007-08-04T20:10:00.000+12:00

My sister Heather has introduced me to another potential time waster on the net. She has just left for an OE with her husband so we set up facebook pages to keep in touch with their travels. We have had more contact in the last week than when she was in the same country! It is a good place to put family photos though that I resist putting on here too much. You have to join up to see them ... go here if you have time ...

Beky update

2007-07-27T23:18:00.000+12:00

My girl is a big school girl now and very "cute popular and fabulous" with it.

She is enjoying it most days and hates homework!!

Here she is with her first certificate for learning letter sounds

Amazing Grace

2007-07-27T23:03:00.000+12:00

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see

We just saw the William Wilberforce movie last night so i'm feeling inspired ...

To sign the trade aid petition against importing slave produced products today go here

Generation gap

2007-07-18T21:22:00.000+12:00

I was playing Cadoo with my eleven year old nephew over the school holidays. He is an excellent drawer and was trying to get me to guess the word "camera". He drew a beautiful cell phone flipped open with a flashing light. It was the camera he uses most. Then he realised he was playing with me so drew an old fashioned separate camera.

Slack

2007-07-18T21:18:00.000+12:00

I know I've been slack
One excuse is that our computer is in the coldest room in the house. We are waiting for a heat pump to be installed. You could pray for ideas to warm along with the room.

A prayer

2007-05-27T17:09:00.000+12:00

A friend gave us a framed prayer when Beky was born. For a while now we have made it out nightly prayer –

God bless this child with gentle kindness
Guide this child with tender love
Show this child the way of brightness
Fill this little heart with love

The best part though is when Beky prays it for me, changing it to “this mummy” and “this big heart”

Our prayer times at night are often part of a battle that goes with bed time so this is a real highlight.

Why I need earplugs to study

2007-04-15T15:14:00.000+12:00

Friday night was on the cool side
So we are sharing the warm room in the house
Steve was watching the rugby
I was trying to read "Feminist Christologies"
I need the online dictionary to read most paragraphs
The earplugs helped but didn't stop the occasional
"He's in" yell
Interesting mix

Easter Art Hunt photos - finally

2007-04-11T07:26:00.000+12:00

Have had trouble logging in - so here are the promised photos from the Easter Art Hunt - which is now over .

Last supper - By Debbie Goddard

Judas betrays Jesus - "back stabber"-
by Rosalie Grant

Peter betrays Jesus - by Tracey Parr

Almost Clavery - by Tracey Parr

Mary mother of Jesus' scrapbook - by Lydia Smith

Empty tomb garden

Easter Art Hunt open

2007-03-31T08:44:00.000+12:00

Finally its open and I think looking great - photos soon. A great team of people doing all sorts of things - thanks everyone!!

Easter Art Hunt set up week ...

2007-03-27T09:53:00.000+12:00

After Easter

2007-03-02T09:31:00.000+13:00

For the next month I am focused on the second Easter Art Hunt around Kaiapoi
I feel like the rest of my life has been shelved until After Easter

I am pouring my creativity into the project
Some good things this week but lots of gaps too
Lots of people are helping
But it so often seems overwhelming

Some one asked me this week if anyone would die if a station was missed out
Well no!
The only necessary death gave us the story we are now telling

A privilege

2007-02-15T04:34:00.000+13:00

As all three of us start free education this month (provided in various ways by work places, taxes and scholarships) there is an interesting page on our calendar. It’s a calendar produced by friends of ours who work in Yemen and quotes the lack of access for females to education in that country. 75% of women and girls can not read or write. We are so grateful …

My baby is a school girl

2007-02-07T07:46:00.000+13:00

Beky coped very well with her first day at school today. She looked so small and nervous during assembly but was her usual out going self once she got back to the class room. God answered her prayer of last night “please be with me tomorrow God I’m not too sure about school”. A phone call from her closest friends who were also getting into their uniforms helped get her out the door this morning

I managed to leave gracefully without blubbering in sight of anyone. I’m grateful to St Lukes church having an open prayer room that I could visit and light a candle to symbolise letting go.

If at first you don't suceed ...

2007-01-31T07:45:00.000+13:00

I am enjoying mountain biking regularly at the moment (although have a sore elbow of all things) and this story comes out of the route I normally take around Bottlelake forest. There is just one corner and hill combination that is really beating me still. It’s a sharp corner and a steep climb (for the forest) right afterwards. I just don’t notice the corner early enough to be thinking about going as fast as I can around it and being ready to cut down gears fast too. I had been getting stuck each time I did the track and just walking up and carrying on riding but feeling frustrated. So I decided to learn how to do it right. I have been turning back, looking for landmarks, trying again and again until I make it up. The first time took five tries and the next only three. I am so much the same in the things I stuff up in life – caught without seeing it coming and rushing on without fixing it. What if I stop and try straight away to do it better each time …

Birthday

2007-01-31T07:43:00.000+13:00

Been a bit quiet again - mainly due to a important birthday. My baby is 5 years old!! We had a wonderful "12 dancing princess" party and are now bracing ourselves for the adjustment into school girl life.

Fuller St Cafe post card

2007-01-23T10:04:00.000+13:00

Steve Taylor is doing a post card series again of emerging churches. I "sent" a card about Fuller St Cafe and you can read it there - Sunday 21st Jan.

Grief amidst life

2007-01-20T08:56:00.000+13:00

I visited Otukaikino Reserve – The living Memorial
A wetland is regenerating – it’s full of tiny bug life
It is surrounded by motorway
The noise sometimes intrudes

Yet it is peaceful and comforting

Finding a place to be still is hard amidst life
Life intrudes into grief
Life continues
Tears come at annoying times

Thinking of Jo

who shared so bravely at Fuller St cafe

on the "living with cancer" panel
And other lost loved ones

Where did that bead go?

2007-01-09T07:50:00.000+13:00

I always love creative part of a church service and Steph who did communion last Sunday at KBC got my attention. Simply a bowl of water and glass bead to drop into it - representing the things we wanted to give to God. Tying into the image of our sins being dropped into the ocean and God not fishing them up. She had planned to use a bucket but ended up with a clear glass bowl.

Beky was in church with as and I talked to her about what it meant and suggested she join in. Very excited she asked - will the bead disappear?

The most comforting part for me was sitting back at my seat listening to the "dink" noise each bead made as it landed on the other beads in the glass bowl. (that effect would have been lost in the bucket) It reminded me that we are all in need and we are all in this together!

Thanks Steph

New Years Eve with kids

2007-01-05T10:29:00.000+13:00

Since becoming parents our ideas about how to celebrate New Years Eve have changed a bit. Until this year Beky has been too little to understand or cope with any late night so the Grandparents babysitting has been the best option. (It may be in the future too – those lovely babysitters are readers of this blog!!)

This year we tried a “kids inclusive” New Years – it was much smaller than I planned with just one other family (our buddies the Smiths who are threatening not to be in NZ next year anyway!!) but it was all I was up to this year – watch out for an invite next year!!

We had a fancy party dessert – I made fruit cocktails for the girls but they weren’t impressed with orange slices on the glaces but the mums enjoyed the “Peach dream”. Then we played Cadoo until the little ones needed a Strawberry shortcake DVD break. About 9pm we started the “countdown” with sparklers & glow sticks. Then the kids got into PJs and we sat around in a circle sharing our best & worst from the year and what we were looking forward to next year. The Dads even got involved which was gracious of them!! Four out of eight of us were looking forward to “starting school” next year!! We finished with a prayer of what we were each thankful for. The girls went off to bed very easily knowing that they would all be in the same house in the morning.

Then we adults could spend the rest of the night together. A family sleep over – it worked well this year

China Blue showing again

2006-12-30T08:47:00.000+13:00

Its holiday time so I am looking a movies!! Just noticed that China Blue is playing again at Rialto. This was a movie that really impacted me this year - a doco on garment industry in China. I blogged about it here. By coincidence I am going op shopping for jeans today.

Christmas letter photos

2006-12-06T21:33:00.000+13:00

I thought I would be sneeky and put our Christmas letter photos on here rather than in our letter so people had to look and see what a blog site was all about. If you like it don't forget to leave a comment by clicking below.

On Nelson Holiday

Beky going to School visit

Beky before her ballet concert

Last U2 post I promise

2006-12-06T21:19:00.000+13:00

Our Pastor took a risk asking me to do communion the week after the U2 concert. I managed to weave "One Step Closer" and "All because of you" into it. The second song includes the lines "I was born a child of grace" and "I'm not broke but you can see the cracks, You can make me perfect again". It seemed to fit with a service on grace that amazing concept of God's favour on us not only in forgiveness but that he wants only good for us.

Lastly I give you a photo from the Fuller St Cafe U2 night of my very own "Edge". It is kinda freeky that I married someone who looks like the posters I had on my wall as a teenager. Even more so that it was subconsious and I hadn't noticed until a friend pointed it out to me.

Vertigo Sat Night

2006-11-29T05:46:00.000+13:00

I had better attempt a review of Saturday night before it becomes irrelevant.

We were right in the middle of general admission, not that far from the stage but given my height I couldn’t actually see the stage. I did glimpse Bono once but the view on the screens was awesome so it didn’t matter. Although now I know there was a pass out system for the eclipse I would have been in the queue – I was worried about the toilets!!!! I am so old and inexperienced with concert going!! Although not as old as some fans who were the worst part of GA - drunk and obnoxious. I did get one offer of a shoulder ride but the guy was having trouble standing up anyway. I also needed a way to get fresh air but nothing mattered once U2 got on stage.

For me it was the best worship experience I have had – everyone signing along to a great worship leader who took us on a smooth journey. Some knew where they were going but others didn’t yet moved too. At times I did wish we would all be quiet and just listen to Bono but I was singing too. Being in GA meant you heard more of those next to you rather than the whole crowd.

I loved seeing live the parts we had used at Fuller St Café – the call for peace between the children of Abraham

Seeing 42000 cell phones light up in the dark – so much safer held above your head than lighters must have been. Then actually getting a text from Bono …

The technology was amazing and like a huge canvas constantly changing with images. Seeing all four band members on the split screen most of the time drew you into their performance. Although I wanted to watch Edge too Bono has such stage presence. His vocal range really is huge as the Pavarotti bit showed.

All in all an experience I won’t forget – especially as I keep reliving it like this. We had to do the One Tree Hill photo - we are the tree …

So...

2006-11-26T16:10:00.000+13:00

I don't know if i will ever be able to put into words what it was like but to see what I saw (on the big screens at least) go to www.u2-vertigo-tour.com

Stuck in a moment

2006-11-25T06:52:00.000+13:00

I am stuck in U2 fan world
5 hours standing to see a glimpse of Adam
But no autographs

Met more south island fans
couple from Nelson who actually had signatures
Brother and sister from Ashburton

What does a U2 fan look like
Most older than me (nice change)
Lots of other mums
Carolyn from Ashburton still breastfeeding
Baby in Ashburton
Mum to be of third who wasn't pregnant in March

Got stuck in my past a bit too
Standing in Waterloo cresent
Up hill from law school (good for loo stop)
Across from Park -several significant photos
On Barristers walk between town and high court
I did a big leap in my move toward God in this place

Good day out thanks to my family

with or without you

2006-11-24T07:00:00.000+13:00

My U2 history has been a long wait not quite getting to see them -

In 1989 I was in high school and my friends went to the concert in Chch but I wasn't allowed to. I loved Joshua tree and all the words are forever in my memory.

Then I was a poor student by the next concert and still unable to go.

When U2 went off to reinvent themselves I sort of lost track of the new version - I "became a christrian" and everyone was listening to hillsong!! I guess I had to go through that "reinvention" too but have been catching up on the missed period lately.

Then came the story of the last year - finally getting a ticket and reading lots of U2 books in preparation. Waiting waiting praying for Edges' daughter waiting. My U2 tickets were my girls weekend pay off for Steve going to the sevens with the boys and now the next Sevens tickets are on sale!! No he didn't get one!!

But now it looks like I will get to sing live with the band. I have my own version of the Edge at home of course and will post a photo at some stage.

One step closer

2006-11-24T06:48:00.000+13:00

Finally the weekend has arrived and I can overload the blog on U2 again!! I made it to the same city as Bono and the Edge so all is right in my world today.

It was a bit of a stressful trip to Auckland as we always fly standby and the flights were choca. We should have started trying a bit earlier than thurs afternoon but by some miracle we got three seats after a 3 hour wait at the airport. Beky survived just.

Steve got to sit in the cockpit being staff and Beky and I got to sit in the back next to some other U2 fans. I hope you find your way to the blog Sarah and enjoy the show tonight!!

Now we wait again and I am wondering if my family will be happy for me to stand outside the Hyatt all day with my camera and the booklet Lydia and I produced for the Fuller St cafe event. I only have two copies left and Lydia wants one signed but what if Bono wants a copy!! I've got to get to the queue first so we'll see

journal course reflections

2006-11-19T05:56:00.000+13:00

Right now I am procrasting about whether to do my journal course home work or keep blogging!! The course is going really well from my perspective and I am learning interesting journaling methods and experiences of journalling. The first night it felt like luxury to sit in a fancy cafe and have half an hour uninterupted time to write. The next week it felt like work to do the homework and I did only a little. The second night I struggled to focus on the task as it was a too busy too many coffees day for me.

The shared experience with both the larger group and our small group that travels from Kaiapoi to the port hills is a highlight too.

I'm off now to continue my reflections in a conversation here then actually do some home work?

A story to share

2006-11-19T05:51:00.000+13:00

My other story from the blustery day ended up being a shared story in three places on Thursday. As I was walking on Tues morning (too windy for a ride or a run) I found a piece of broken bark that had been torn off a tree. (Broken) The inside was fresh, pale green and so very soft to touch. (Exposed) Over the day as I touched the inside it got bruised and as it dried it curled up. (Tender) When I got home I placed it in my praying hands (Safe)

I made small scrap booked cards to go with it as a takeaway for those who heard the story.

(photo to come)

As I think back on the sharing process I realise how good it is for me to share. A friend who knows me well as an introvert asked during one of the tellings if I was going to curl up and I responded no that’s why I keep sharing it. Are stories like this more for the teller or the hearer – I hope both.

Blustery day

2006-11-19T05:45:00.000+13:00

Canterbury has produced some strong Norwesters this week and Tues was probably the worst. It was recycling day in Brooklands so we now have everyone else’s recycling in our bin waiting for the next day and someone has picked up ours. It made for an interesting community building exercise as people who hadn’t left for work were rescuing neighbours bins all day too. Tues morning Beky and I were chasing our escaping rubbish across the reserve next to our place and it was very dusty. This was Beky’s solution …

Mountain Bike Compliment

2006-11-07T22:18:00.000+13:00

Steve and I went on a rare ride together a few weeks ago
He gave me a great compliment
I am not that much slower than the guys he usually rides with
And I puff less

So I am fitter but more cautious
I can live with that

It’s a long way from the girl who fell off riding around Eastern beach
On the first present Steve ever gave me
The bike is the same 9 years on
But I am not

Journal in a cafe

2006-10-31T22:01:00.000+13:00

The thought of dedicated time to journal together with a good coffee sounded really good to me. so this course on journalling to be run at Fava Cafe caught my attention. More details here and scroll down to Sat 21 Oct.

Uncertainty

2006-10-29T08:33:00.000+13:00

This week we personally face an uncertainty so many of our friends in the aviation industry have had to face over the last few years.

How serious is it
Time will tell

Join me in prayer for all who face an uncertain future

For partners asking questions
For stressed employees
For kids who have no idea what’s going on

Trusting in a God who says he knows the plans he has for us

Fuller St Cafe - The Da Vinci Code

2006-10-25T14:51:00.000+13:00

Panel Questions:

1.Can you trust Institutions?

2. Do the ends ever justify the means?

3. Would it have been wrong for Jesus to be married?

4. Can you trust the bible?

5. Is God Male?

Some questions from here
For more resources go here

Halloween vs Light Party

2006-10-23T08:21:00.000+13:00

I am not completely opposed to the idea of Halloween. Remembering our ancestors especially the saintly ones appeals to me. As does sharing in safe trick or treating with adults involved and meeting our neighbours. My favourite twist on trick and treating is a Dunedin youth group, under the guidance of a certain cop related to my husband, who gathered tins of food for the local food bank and put some safety into the streets for unsupervised kids. The worst thing about Halloween for me is that it’s a foreign holiday imposed through retailers making a buck. I’m not sure if the “guy fawkes” nights of my childhood were any better in the foreign way – what does a NZ holiday look like? The fact that thoughts turn to what is after this life is interesting too as is people’s perception of what that will be like – a party, something to celebrate?

Last year we were involved in the first light party held in Kaiapoi. Before hand I wondered if it was too “come to us” focused but my view changed as the event unfolded. So I am looking forward to it more this year.

It’s held in a park by the river and it’s all free - Bouncy castles, horizontal bungy, rides, fancy dress competition etc. Last year about 300 people joined in. The great thing was lots came when they got a text from a friend who had just stumbled upon a free gift.

So join us
Outside the Railway station – Charles St Kaiapoi
5.30pm – 7.30pm
Tues 31 October

Want or need

2006-10-17T22:08:00.000+13:00

As church we are doing a series on praying and giving to others in need. Other Baptist churches have done it at different times during the year. Each year there is an object given out to help with the focus and this year it’s a clay pair of empty hands. I struggle so much as to what is a “need” for us in the rich west. One thing we as a family are supposed to be saving for is a computer that doesn’t crash several times a day. We got broadband a while ago and then the system seemed to slow down even more!! I am trying to use my waiting time when using the computer to pray for those who don’t have access to education let alone technology …

In our Family

2006-10-17T22:05:00.000+13:00

In our Family

We are honest and tell the truth

We are kind to people and animals

We use manners – please, thank you,excuse me

We are patient and wait our turn

We use nice words and encourage each other

We are gentle

We say “sorry” and “I forgive you”

We love each other and our friends

We welcome strangers

We serve God

By Beky and Mum 5-10-06

This grew out of a discussion I had with Beky about telling lies. I had heard of doing family values but it seemed corny until it arose naturally. They are goals – we are not this perfect!!

A Franciscan Benediction

2006-10-06T20:36:00.001+13:00

Paul copied this for me this week and I like it ...

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to compfort them and
To turn their pain to joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness
to believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Fuller St Cafe Sunday 1st Oct

2006-09-27T21:31:00.000+12:00

Its the first Sunday in the month again already. This time Fuller St Cafe is hosting a local nine piece band playing what I would call Jazz / lounge music. They are called "Toot and Croon" and have some great musicians. Jove Live is back too with two guests. One of the guests is being baptised at Ashley Gorge earlier on Sunday. What with an engagement party and wedding on this weekend too it will be a busy one.

So Sunday night 7pm at 67 Fuller St Kaiapoi

Spiritual growth

2006-09-27T21:16:00.000+12:00

Babies have milk
Kids have what they are given
Adults have a varied diet

Spiritual babies need the basics
Kids need their hands held
Maturity is your choice within a healthy diet

Maturity is the option to try chilli
Knowing if you like it
Accepting that others might prefer olives
Knowing the source is the same

Whatever you eat from the right source
Growth is being healthy
Growth is having energy and passion
Growth is a changing character
Growth is what is produced in your life
Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness
Faithfulness Gentleness Self Control

Jenga Prayers

2006-09-19T21:08:00.000+12:00

Our senior Sunday school kids led us is prayer last week in the morning service. They have been using a Jenga game as a prayer format and shared it with us. They start the base of the tower or wall with “base prayers” the ones they expect might be ongoing. For example a family in which the parents have recently separated and a lady with terminal cancer. Then we took turns at adding prayers and building the tower. Heaps of people participated. Thanks kids

Better together

2006-09-15T20:43:00.000+12:00

I have come across Michael Frost’s comments about not wanting to sing soppy love songs to Jesus as a criticism of contemporary worship music in churches. I’ve found a few songs sticking in my throat on Sunday mornings as a result. Why is then that secular music I have been enjoying are often Love songs that I think apply better to God than a human –

eg Jack Johnson

“Love is the answer at least for most of the questions in my heart
Why are we here? Where do we go? And how come it’s so hard?
It’s not always easy and sometimes life can be deceiving
I’ll tell you one thing, it’s always better when we’re together”

Turning point

2006-09-13T21:44:00.000+12:00

My mum in law discovered this week that a cyclamen flower turns surprisingly fast. Just at the right time the petals open and turn back on themselves in one swift movement. It never occurred to either of us that they had to do that maneuver or that it would be so quick. I wish the things I needed to change to get to the next step went so smoothly and effortlessly. I wish she was still here doing dishes and watching my flowers but she had to go back to work

Red and Green spots

2006-09-13T21:40:00.000+12:00

What is the worst day for a four year old to come out in self inflicted green and red felt pen spots (and some stripes Mummy) from face to toe? Yep ballet parents day – just as well we had time for a bath and the face ones came off completely.

Bloggers block

2006-09-08T11:45:00.000+12:00

You may have noticed this site being rather quiet for a while. This will be the second to last U2 reference I promise – until Nov of course. Bono was talking about being told off in English class when he has asked why a writer didn’t just write about writers block when it occurred. He was serious not just being smart. I wondered what would happen if I wrote about bloggers block.

I don’t want to blog just for the sake of it. I don’t want to be boring. If God is silent for a bit should I be too. Not to say all my entries are God inspired but I think the best are.

Is it just a time thing – time for God to hear what he’s saying to me, time to write it? Today I am blessed Grandparents taking Beky to the park. She must be higher on my priority list though than writing – school is getting so close.

I’m resisting writing about spring yet it is lovely!! I follow a column in the local paper by my Grandmother’s minister Dugald Wilson who summed it up with his lines

“Let us be moved by this gentle insistence that warmth and light will return
That the darkness and cold tomb of winter is never the final word.”

So will writing about the block unblock it?

U2 Night over

2006-09-08T11:17:00.000+12:00

Fuller St café’s U2 Night has been and gone. No excuse to read U2 Books now!! I made up a quote and lyric booklet as a souvenir but hadn’t read all of the books – this is one quote I wish I had found earlier. “it is impossible to meet God with sunglasses on. It is impossible to meet God without abandon, without exposing yourself, being raw.” Bono, in Bono on Bono conversations with Michka Assayas.

We had the first ever “Jove Live” interviewing our biggest U2 fan. The “what the’s” were fun. I’m waiting to get the photo of my favourite but above is one that might worry some. Its Ok I know the graffiti artist and the tour is still on.

We watched lots of Dvds including the Chicago concert version of One where Bono appeals to the audience to text the president supporting the make poverty history campaign. Our response was Postcards to Helen Clark, which you can find on the Point Seven site.

Back to where I started looking

2006-08-30T14:41:00.000+12:00

In the 80s the closest I probably got to God was with U2 –
In the 90s I discovered Hillsong
Now I’m back where I started
These two songs sum it up

I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
I have climbed highest mountains
I have run through the seas
Only to be with you

You broke the bonds
Loosed the chain
Carried the cross of my shame
You know I believe it

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

That my soul knows very well
When mountains fall
I’ll stand
By the power of your hand
And in your heart of hearts
I’ll dwell
That my soul knows very well

If my soul is my mind and emotions I think I’m still on the search
My spirit believes

U2 Music Night - You too are invited

2006-08-30T06:35:00.000+12:00

Fuller St Cafe this Sunday 3rd of September - 7pm

U2 Music Night

DVDs - interview of local fan - dance party

Great fresh fair-trade Stella coffee and fair-trade hot chocolate

at Kaiapoi Baptist Church - 67 Fuller St

China Blue

2006-08-18T17:53:00.000+12:00

One week after a glimpse inside a chinese garment factory
My heart is still heavy when I think of those girls
So much heavier as there was no nice solution
No list of where to buy clothes

17 hour days for 10c an hour
Sometimes working all night
Reliant on the factory dormitory
Seven weeks before she sees outside the factory
Months before her first pay which is then held as a bond
No way to make the several day trip home
So I can buy jeans

Nothing in my wardrobe not made in China
Much in my house
Would I knowingly buy good made by slaves
No way to know
Still I ask Lord what can I do ...

Black Gold

2006-08-11T20:22:00.000+12:00

Last wednesday night a group of us went along to the film festival to see the coffee fair trade movie - Black Gold. It followed the story of an Ethiopian Co-operative trader who was on a mission to find fair buyers for the coffee growers in his region. Tedesse is a very skilled intelligent man who works very hard to improve whole communities around the 70,000 Ethiopian framers he represents.

Other strong images from the film were:
- The scrap of black board left on the the school room wall
- The room crammed with women "picking" coffee (removing imperfect beans)
- The child not malnurished enough to get into the feeding centre

The most helpful thing was the Trade Aid list of fair trade places to buy coffee in Christchurch which is also on line here.

Living with cancer

2006-08-11T20:12:00.000+12:00

Sunday night was the monthly Fuller St Café.
We had a panel of six brave and inspiring people who have or are journeying with Cancer. I think the coffee team made about 70 drinks. It was a subject close to a lot of people obviously. Other panel ideas for the future include mental illness and grief. In the mean time we are now planning the U2 night for next month – sometimes I do love my job!!!

Making it on her own

2006-07-31T19:59:00.000+12:00

The setting is – Beky and I making scones – Beky making her own version in her own bowl adding what she wants (huge mess)

Background music – U2 “Sometimes you can’t make it on your own”

Mum singing along

Beky “But I am making it on my own aren’t I Mum”

Fair Trade Mind Melt Down

2006-07-25T21:48:00.000+12:00

Starting our weekend in Wellington with a Fair trade debate continued my dilemmas of how to respond to this challenge. I haven’t even seen Black Gold or China Blue yet – two movies coming up in the film festival. The issues are so huge that once you start thinking about the ethics of everything you consume it becomes overwhelming

- Am I getting a fair trade cup of coffee
- What about that Sante bar in it
- Hot chocolate is not a good substitute
- Free range eggs but what about the bacon
- Do I own any clothes not made in China
- Scrap booking paper is printed in China too

I’m off to make a hot chocolate with my new tin from Trade Aid today – I hope it tastes ok or my one change for the week will be foiled.

yep its good

Weekend in Wellington

2006-07-25T21:13:00.000+12:00

In January it will be ten years since I met my husband Steve. This last weekend it felt like we had turned the clock back to those dating days as we had a weekend on our own in Wellington.

We even had an extra surprise of a night in a hotel courtesy of Steve’s work where someone had double booked a client and offered the spare room to anyone who happened to be in Wellington on Sat night.

Then we noticed that the directors of the Black Gold movie that is on in the film festival were doing a panel discussion an hour after our plane arrived Friday night. My other two highlights were the Lord of the Rings exhibition at Te Papa – the costumes were so detailed – and Caffe L’Farre’s style of Mochocinno – made with a whole chocolate sante bar in it.

Its a beautiful day!!!

2006-07-21T08:26:00.000+12:00

Yah U2 have announced new dates!!

Next Fuller St Cafe

2006-07-18T21:15:00.000+12:00

The Espresso machine is up and running now that we have more electricity available to the plug and the coffee is fresh and good!! This is the advertising for the next night - come and hear some brave stories ...