Kirsten spoke to us girls about her testimony tonight. I knew a bit about it before and kind of what she's feeling about mentoring us girls some but it still moved me.
I want to be real with people.
Not to have this facade.
I don't want to seem like I have it all together.
Because I don't.
Hopefully that's what us girls at church can achieve.
There are millions of things going on. For many of us we need a group of girls to offload to. To get advice from. To pray with.
I hope we can all be real together.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
29.11.10
Laban is 21!!! And he also features in this post. Hoorah.
We went up Mt Victoria to celebrate. Again with blankets and people. The musically capable had guitars and we got to hear some beautiful originals from the likes of Pete, Ben and Stephanie.
The acousticness and the stars mingled and made me feel. I just felt.
You know when you can't describe it. You just feel.
It's a bit sentimental, a bit emotional, a bit of other things too.
We went up Mt Victoria to celebrate. Again with blankets and people. The musically capable had guitars and we got to hear some beautiful originals from the likes of Pete, Ben and Stephanie.
The acousticness and the stars mingled and made me feel. I just felt.
You know when you can't describe it. You just feel.
It's a bit sentimental, a bit emotional, a bit of other things too.
28.11.10
Laban had a bunch of people at his house this evening to watch E.T. outside in his garden.
This is one of the best ideas ever in the world for a birthday.
We became friends with the mozzies and moths and cuddled in blankets.
Things were beautiful.
Although I left early I still really appreciated the idea.
So creative.
This is one of the best ideas ever in the world for a birthday.
We became friends with the mozzies and moths and cuddled in blankets.
Things were beautiful.
Although I left early I still really appreciated the idea.
So creative.
27.11.10
There is something fantastic about barefeet.
It is the essence of summer.
I love living in the East Coast Bays because you are never so far from the beach that you can't stroll around barefoot. You can even go into shops without shoes on.
The radius of acceptability is slightly blurry though.
For instance, I think if you are in Browns Bay or suchlike it is allowed. However, the mall is not ok.
Nor are any toilets.
Today it was my car and an op shop in Torbay. That's ok I think.
Driving in barefeet is just so natural. It makes the car kind of an extension of yourself which you are controlling with your body. Like another limb.
It is the essence of summer.
I love living in the East Coast Bays because you are never so far from the beach that you can't stroll around barefoot. You can even go into shops without shoes on.
The radius of acceptability is slightly blurry though.
For instance, I think if you are in Browns Bay or suchlike it is allowed. However, the mall is not ok.
Nor are any toilets.
Today it was my car and an op shop in Torbay. That's ok I think.
Driving in barefeet is just so natural. It makes the car kind of an extension of yourself which you are controlling with your body. Like another limb.
24.11.10
We came to be good friends with a blow up dolphin named Frank while we were away.
He guarded our tent from humans and creatures alike in our absence. Although, he didn't do a very good job of it as Amy L found a gigantic spider by her head. You can imagine the debacle that ensued.
Anyhow, Frank came to be part of the family. Which is why it is very sad for me to tell you that he is dead. Probably washed up on a shore somewhere, pecked to bits by seagulls, deflated and alone.
I simply turned my back for one second in the water and he was gone, carried away by the wind. Amy swam after him for far too long and was also nearly carried away by the current. Seriously, she was beyond earshot. I feared for her life too. Seagulls can be scary. Especially ones brought up in the ghetto of South Auckland.
He guarded our tent from humans and creatures alike in our absence. Although, he didn't do a very good job of it as Amy L found a gigantic spider by her head. You can imagine the debacle that ensued.
Anyhow, Frank came to be part of the family. Which is why it is very sad for me to tell you that he is dead. Probably washed up on a shore somewhere, pecked to bits by seagulls, deflated and alone.
I simply turned my back for one second in the water and he was gone, carried away by the wind. Amy swam after him for far too long and was also nearly carried away by the current. Seriously, she was beyond earshot. I feared for her life too. Seagulls can be scary. Especially ones brought up in the ghetto of South Auckland.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
23.11.10
There is something really special about secludedness. Not just the word, either.
The Amies and I went camping for a night at a tiny little bay with no one else around.
Because it was so private we got to do things we wouldn't often do.
The whole of nature was our changing room. We could get our kit off at any moment without fear that someone would see. And get our kits off we did.
How very freeing.
I could share more of our antics but I think I'll stop there.
The Amies and I went camping for a night at a tiny little bay with no one else around.
Because it was so private we got to do things we wouldn't often do.
The whole of nature was our changing room. We could get our kit off at any moment without fear that someone would see. And get our kits off we did.
How very freeing.
I could share more of our antics but I think I'll stop there.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
22.11.10
The feeling of warm sun on my back is possibly my favourite ever.
It somehow gives one a sense of complete security, like a blanky never could.
It's even better in a black woolen cardigan.
As Amy and I sat on the ledge at Mairangi Bay beach this evening, the sun was behind us as we stared at the ocean. It really was beautiful.
It somehow gives one a sense of complete security, like a blanky never could.
It's even better in a black woolen cardigan.
As Amy and I sat on the ledge at Mairangi Bay beach this evening, the sun was behind us as we stared at the ocean. It really was beautiful.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
21.11.10
Gift-giving brings so much joy.
I gave two gifts this morning.
One was a journal to Clarissa who spotted it ages ago in the bookshop where we were buying things. I sneakily put it aside for her.
The second was a bible for this little boy at Kids' Church. He's been asking his mum all about God and she got so fed up with him she is sending him to church.
He was well pleased with the gift. His face looked all chuffed and he didn't let go of it for the rest of the morning. He kept touching it as if he couldn't believe it was his.
The feeling you get when you give something which is so appreciated is very nice. It's difficult to describe. Kind of just like a warmness.
I gave two gifts this morning.
One was a journal to Clarissa who spotted it ages ago in the bookshop where we were buying things. I sneakily put it aside for her.
The second was a bible for this little boy at Kids' Church. He's been asking his mum all about God and she got so fed up with him she is sending him to church.
He was well pleased with the gift. His face looked all chuffed and he didn't let go of it for the rest of the morning. He kept touching it as if he couldn't believe it was his.
The feeling you get when you give something which is so appreciated is very nice. It's difficult to describe. Kind of just like a warmness.
20.11.10
Old-time baches are awesome. I visited one today.
Everything was wooden. The chairs, floors, benches, cupboards, tables. Everything.
It really was the perfect bach.
It was on poles! It had lemon trees and a deck.
Ahh such fun we could have there in summer.
If only my family owned it.
Everything was wooden. The chairs, floors, benches, cupboards, tables. Everything.
It really was the perfect bach.
It was on poles! It had lemon trees and a deck.
Ahh such fun we could have there in summer.
If only my family owned it.
19.11.10
There is a certain ratio of guilt to the amount of time spent in pajamas during the day.
I find that if it goes past 11am I become a paranoid wreck, hearing a knock at the door at least once every ten minutes.
Life becomes difficult, and I end up changing so that my day can begin.
Even if I just sit my bum back down on the computer chair, as long as its in daytime attire, things are going to be ok.
I find that if it goes past 11am I become a paranoid wreck, hearing a knock at the door at least once every ten minutes.
Life becomes difficult, and I end up changing so that my day can begin.
Even if I just sit my bum back down on the computer chair, as long as its in daytime attire, things are going to be ok.
18.11.10
I have posted it before, but I will reiterate.
Music is amazing.
It has the power to make you feel stuff.
It can move you, even if you are firmly stuck in your spot.
It can break down barriers between you and the outside world.
Tonight at Tabac, listening to Lydia Cole and Luke Thompson these things happened for me.
My eyes even welled up.
Then I remembered I was in a bar and only lame people cry in bars, usually at closing time and whilst having a whine to the bar tender. Well, they do in movies. I've never seen it. Nor have I been in a bar at closing time.
Music is amazing.
It has the power to make you feel stuff.
It can move you, even if you are firmly stuck in your spot.
It can break down barriers between you and the outside world.
Tonight at Tabac, listening to Lydia Cole and Luke Thompson these things happened for me.
My eyes even welled up.
Then I remembered I was in a bar and only lame people cry in bars, usually at closing time and whilst having a whine to the bar tender. Well, they do in movies. I've never seen it. Nor have I been in a bar at closing time.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
17.11.10
The moment I had been waiting for arrived today. I was afraid that the amount of hype surrounding the second-to-last installment of the Harry Potter films would mean my expectations were too high.
They weren't.
It was a pretty great film. It met my expectations. It didn't outdo itself but I wasn't disappointed.
I like that there were moments that made me jump and many that made me laugh.
If only we had dressed up.
They weren't.
It was a pretty great film. It met my expectations. It didn't outdo itself but I wasn't disappointed.
I like that there were moments that made me jump and many that made me laugh.
If only we had dressed up.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
16.11.10
Beware at semi-high tide along the walkway between Mairangi and Campbell's Bays. The water splashes and does not mind who gets soaked.
Being the gentleman, I offered to walk oceanside. Sam appreciated, especially when the water chased our ankles.
It wasn't too bad so I became careless. I bent down to a little pool to rinse my icecream tub (I highly recommend the coffee gelato from Paper Moon). I was quite happily doing so when a huge wave attacked. It completely drenched me on one side. It was such a shock. We both cracked up so hard.
We shared a beautiful moment.
Being the gentleman, I offered to walk oceanside. Sam appreciated, especially when the water chased our ankles.
It wasn't too bad so I became careless. I bent down to a little pool to rinse my icecream tub (I highly recommend the coffee gelato from Paper Moon). I was quite happily doing so when a huge wave attacked. It completely drenched me on one side. It was such a shock. We both cracked up so hard.
We shared a beautiful moment.
15.11.10
There is so much value in chilling with people of a different age group.
I spend a lot of time with people younger than me. Kids teach me to always wonder at things in the universe, to have faith and to be able to laugh about almost everything. Youth teach me how broken this world is and how much God loves and cares for each of his children. They show me that it's not good enough just to talk about things, but we have to act on our convictions.
I don't spend enough time with people a lot older than myself. They are so wise and caring and they just want to have a conversation. It is also so easy. Many elderly people have had so many awkward conversations in their life they know how to keep dialogue rolling. If you tell them something, often they will remember it because they really do want to know how uni is going or what you're learning about with God. Many are prayer warriors and you can guarantee when they say they'll pray for you, they will. I am so grateful for Bob Rope, this man from church with a heart for kids' ministry who prays for me every day.
These thoughts sprang from having lunch with the Mainly Music team. They are a bunch of older ladies making a HUGE difference in the lives of a whole lot of mothers and toddlers from the community.
I spend a lot of time with people younger than me. Kids teach me to always wonder at things in the universe, to have faith and to be able to laugh about almost everything. Youth teach me how broken this world is and how much God loves and cares for each of his children. They show me that it's not good enough just to talk about things, but we have to act on our convictions.
I don't spend enough time with people a lot older than myself. They are so wise and caring and they just want to have a conversation. It is also so easy. Many elderly people have had so many awkward conversations in their life they know how to keep dialogue rolling. If you tell them something, often they will remember it because they really do want to know how uni is going or what you're learning about with God. Many are prayer warriors and you can guarantee when they say they'll pray for you, they will. I am so grateful for Bob Rope, this man from church with a heart for kids' ministry who prays for me every day.
These thoughts sprang from having lunch with the Mainly Music team. They are a bunch of older ladies making a HUGE difference in the lives of a whole lot of mothers and toddlers from the community.
Monday, November 15, 2010
14.11.10
Church last night had an incredible atmosphere of friendliness and just love.
It was smaller and everyone kind of knew everyone else so that made the difference.
I felt like I could have a conversation with everyone easily and just laugh.
It was like church should always be
So natural.
It was smaller and everyone kind of knew everyone else so that made the difference.
I felt like I could have a conversation with everyone easily and just laugh.
It was like church should always be
So natural.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
13.11.10
Banoffie pie is incredibly delicious. This deliciousness is intensified when you mix it with two Amies and Ten Things I Hate About You.
That film is timeless. Universal themes. Just like Shakespeare.
It may have just overtaken Dirty Dancing and The Proposal to take the title of my favourite film of all time. Shockhorror!
But honestly, it has got to be the most quotable film in existence.
That film is timeless. Universal themes. Just like Shakespeare.
It may have just overtaken Dirty Dancing and The Proposal to take the title of my favourite film of all time. Shockhorror!
But honestly, it has got to be the most quotable film in existence.
12.11.10
I am officially free from instituted learning for three-and-a-half months.
It feels pretty good.
On my way home I noticed some daisies. They have probably been flourishing in grass patches all over the country for a while. It was just today that I noticed though.
Daisies are one of the best reminders of summer I reckon. Once you see them, it's all on.
I was going to pick a bunch and make a daisy chain on the bus. In retrospect I really should have.
It feels pretty good.
On my way home I noticed some daisies. They have probably been flourishing in grass patches all over the country for a while. It was just today that I noticed though.
Daisies are one of the best reminders of summer I reckon. Once you see them, it's all on.
I was going to pick a bunch and make a daisy chain on the bus. In retrospect I really should have.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
11.11.10
One of my favourite smells is freshly washed clothing. It smells like laundry powder and is all soft and clean-like. It's just so comforting.
What's better is when you iron that item of clothing and put it on straight away. The heat intensifies the smell and it's so cosy.
That happened today.
What's better is when you iron that item of clothing and put it on straight away. The heat intensifies the smell and it's so cosy.
That happened today.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
10.11.10
Fresh strawberries are so delicious. Especially when they are the first of the season.
It has been a very long time since I had eaten one. I just held the punnet and smelled them for a little bit. So delicious. So juicy.
It reminded me of when I would go strawberry picking in Albany when I was little. I'd just spend the whole time eating them and only when mum announced that it was time to go would I hastily throw some in the bucket to be weighed.
Fond memories.
It has been a very long time since I had eaten one. I just held the punnet and smelled them for a little bit. So delicious. So juicy.
It reminded me of when I would go strawberry picking in Albany when I was little. I'd just spend the whole time eating them and only when mum announced that it was time to go would I hastily throw some in the bucket to be weighed.
Fond memories.
09.11.10
Bubbles are really amazing.
They are so colourful and the way they float and eventually fall is amazing.
I have this bubble mixture in my room. It makes the best bubbles. They smell like mint and they make a really cool popping sound.
I could watch them for ages.
(Beware of the "bubbles" Google image search. Apparently there is a promiscuous lady with a really big bottom by that name)
They are so colourful and the way they float and eventually fall is amazing.
I have this bubble mixture in my room. It makes the best bubbles. They smell like mint and they make a really cool popping sound.
I could watch them for ages.
(Beware of the "bubbles" Google image search. Apparently there is a promiscuous lady with a really big bottom by that name)
Monday, November 8, 2010
08.11.10
Today was the first time I've been home alone for a while. Maybe it was the first time I realised it.
The house was empty which meant I could sing at the top of my lungs, even pee with the bathroom door open.
There is a certain freedom in aloneness.
I quite like it.
I suppose intimacy is when you are with someone and you can act as you would if you were alone.
I haven't quite reached the leaving-the-toilet-door-open-stage with anyone yet.
The house was empty which meant I could sing at the top of my lungs, even pee with the bathroom door open.
There is a certain freedom in aloneness.
I quite like it.
I suppose intimacy is when you are with someone and you can act as you would if you were alone.
I haven't quite reached the leaving-the-toilet-door-open-stage with anyone yet.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
07.11.10
The sky was beautiful as I drove home from church. It was cloudless and blue except for a hazy pink band.
When I looked at it all at once it was outrageously lovely. A photograph of that moment could definitely make its way around Tumblr.
Just for fun I focussed my eyes on the blue part under the pink stripe. Gradually the whole sky became blue and the pink disappeared. It was incredible.
It got me thinking. Obviously I must have been feeling a tad pensive and deep.
It's so easy for us to take our eyes off the beauty.
What I mean is that we can be distracted by so many things or even just one thing in our life which takes all of the splendour out of the simplest, most awe-inspiring things. When we stop looking for things which are truly spectacular, slowly our senses are dulled to them. It becomes harder to find inspiration and appreciate small things in life which deserve to be appreciated.
Like that pink line in the sky.
When I looked at it all at once it was outrageously lovely. A photograph of that moment could definitely make its way around Tumblr.
Just for fun I focussed my eyes on the blue part under the pink stripe. Gradually the whole sky became blue and the pink disappeared. It was incredible.
It got me thinking. Obviously I must have been feeling a tad pensive and deep.
It's so easy for us to take our eyes off the beauty.
What I mean is that we can be distracted by so many things or even just one thing in our life which takes all of the splendour out of the simplest, most awe-inspiring things. When we stop looking for things which are truly spectacular, slowly our senses are dulled to them. It becomes harder to find inspiration and appreciate small things in life which deserve to be appreciated.
Like that pink line in the sky.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
06.11.10
When organising an event you send out the invitations, plan a bit, maybe make some food and hope people show up. There is usually a little bit of tension when it gets to around about starting time and no one has showed. Most of the time it happens though. People come and happiness is achieved.
I've never worried too much.
Tonight Amy's workmate had a small party. It was intentionally small but I think he expected more than just Amy, Logan and I. It ended up being ok because his niece was there and she amused us for ages and also there were fireworks.
It just struck me that not everyone is as lucky as I am to have great friends. I always know that someone will be keen to chill if I text them and if not it's no big deal.
I've never worried too much.
Tonight Amy's workmate had a small party. It was intentionally small but I think he expected more than just Amy, Logan and I. It ended up being ok because his niece was there and she amused us for ages and also there were fireworks.
It just struck me that not everyone is as lucky as I am to have great friends. I always know that someone will be keen to chill if I text them and if not it's no big deal.
05.11.10
Today is cool because you get to play with fire and explosions and make loud noises.
We went to the bunkers at Castor Bay when it got dark and set off fireworks. They bounce off the walls and ceiling and make huge resounding booms that echo.
It is really VERY exciting.
It's so thrilling when something goes wrong like when Nick pointed his Roman Candle behind him at people or when the big one fell over or when they bounced off the roof and towards us. We just ran screaming.
A great time was had by all.
We went to the bunkers at Castor Bay when it got dark and set off fireworks. They bounce off the walls and ceiling and make huge resounding booms that echo.
It is really VERY exciting.
It's so thrilling when something goes wrong like when Nick pointed his Roman Candle behind him at people or when the big one fell over or when they bounced off the roof and towards us. We just ran screaming.
A great time was had by all.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
04.11.10
This morning began with a large caramel latte, the beach, and the Amies.
It was a very nice start to the day allbeit a tad chilly.
I love that we live so close and by the beach. We are so fortunate.
Moreso that we can be such good friends.
That's the best part.
It was a very nice start to the day allbeit a tad chilly.
I love that we live so close and by the beach. We are so fortunate.
Moreso that we can be such good friends.
That's the best part.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
03.11.10
It is easy to act like everything is going well.
Someone will ask, "How are you?" and I find myself answering, "I'm good thanks" without a second thought.
I have said it so many times over the past few days, even when it isn't true and even to close friends. On one occasion I even said, "I'm really good!" in a very enthusiastic manner.
I'm going to make more effort to be slightly more honest in my reply to that question. Mix it up a little.
Sometimes it could get a tad awkward, especially if you're talking to someone who you don't know so well. You reply, "Not so great really" and in order to make it seem like they actually did care about your answer when they asked the question, they have to inquire as to why you feel that way. Then you either tell them the whole story, bearing your heart in a way which is inappropriate to your current relationship with said aquaintance, or you blow them off with an, "I don't really want to talk about it" response which is equally as awkward.
Easier just to say, "Good thanks".
Someone will ask, "How are you?" and I find myself answering, "I'm good thanks" without a second thought.
I have said it so many times over the past few days, even when it isn't true and even to close friends. On one occasion I even said, "I'm really good!" in a very enthusiastic manner.
I'm going to make more effort to be slightly more honest in my reply to that question. Mix it up a little.
Sometimes it could get a tad awkward, especially if you're talking to someone who you don't know so well. You reply, "Not so great really" and in order to make it seem like they actually did care about your answer when they asked the question, they have to inquire as to why you feel that way. Then you either tell them the whole story, bearing your heart in a way which is inappropriate to your current relationship with said aquaintance, or you blow them off with an, "I don't really want to talk about it" response which is equally as awkward.
Easier just to say, "Good thanks".
02.11.11
I finished Blue Like Jazz today. It is such a good book. I have another of Don Miller's books lined up to read now.
I love the way he writes so honestly and from a different perspective.
It really made me ponder on why I believe what I do and how I live it out.
I'd love to meet him and have a chat about life. He could regale stories from his youth. I want to hear more about the time he spent with the hippies and living with the guys at Graceland.
One time I'd like to be able to write like him. It just flows so well.
I love the way he writes so honestly and from a different perspective.
It really made me ponder on why I believe what I do and how I live it out.
I'd love to meet him and have a chat about life. He could regale stories from his youth. I want to hear more about the time he spent with the hippies and living with the guys at Graceland.
One time I'd like to be able to write like him. It just flows so well.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
01.11.10
The beach is such a lovely place. I went to two today. Orewa and Long Bay.
I had a date with Hannah. We got ice creams and went for a walk. She's so cool. We just chatted and then almost made ourselves sick spinning around on the playground. Then I just chilled at her house with her family for ages. I love them so much.
I had a date with Hannah. We got ice creams and went for a walk. She's so cool. We just chatted and then almost made ourselves sick spinning around on the playground. Then I just chilled at her house with her family for ages. I love them so much.
Monday, November 1, 2010
31.10.10
I am always so astounded at the willingness of people to give so much of themselves at church and my friends in general.
Tonight was the lightparty. It took so much work by hundreds of people for it to all come together. There have been working bees, meetings, baking times, and heaps of people rostered on the night.
Each of those things takes effort and time. I am so grateful to everyone who helped. To Amy for helping make toffee apples when she didn't feel great, Michelle who was at church whenever I needed her, Amy for coming to wrap apples in a time of crisis, Emily for lending her artisticness to me and walking home after, all my leaders who manned the stations in the stuffy hall, and to anyone who I just plonked a last minute job onto.
People can be really great sometimes.
Tonight was the lightparty. It took so much work by hundreds of people for it to all come together. There have been working bees, meetings, baking times, and heaps of people rostered on the night.
Each of those things takes effort and time. I am so grateful to everyone who helped. To Amy for helping make toffee apples when she didn't feel great, Michelle who was at church whenever I needed her, Amy for coming to wrap apples in a time of crisis, Emily for lending her artisticness to me and walking home after, all my leaders who manned the stations in the stuffy hall, and to anyone who I just plonked a last minute job onto.
People can be really great sometimes.
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