Jane and Tarien blew me away with their testimonies today. I almost wept but I managed to keep it together.
They were so honest and real about what God had done in their lives and their own faults and limitations when it comes to living for him.
I am so proud of them. They've got it going on in their hearts which is what it's about.
It's so exciting to see them grow and get to this place where they got baptised. I am so honoured that God put them in my life. They often challenge and impress me with their faith.
Watch out future!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
19.02.11
There is something that happens at leadership conferences. It's like all of these passionate people get together and ignite even more passion in each other.
Today I went to one such conference.
It was awesome just to get a little injection of inspiration to make church and youth stuff better.
Talking about things with Dan on the way back was extra good. There's so much we could be doing.
Potential as!
Today I went to one such conference.
It was awesome just to get a little injection of inspiration to make church and youth stuff better.
Talking about things with Dan on the way back was extra good. There's so much we could be doing.
Potential as!
18.02.11
Tonight Kirsten came over with pink smokers and Amy came over with a box of chocolates and we discussed my birthday.
I know what I want. The Hopetoun Alpha. The one problem is that it's so expensive so my parents aren't keen at all.
By the end of the night, however, I think we managed to convince them that it's all I want and it's not such a bad idea.
Most of the time I have no idea what I want. I can be indecisive and negative about such things but this time I am sure.
Determination has kicked in and it WILL happen.
I know what I want. The Hopetoun Alpha. The one problem is that it's so expensive so my parents aren't keen at all.
By the end of the night, however, I think we managed to convince them that it's all I want and it's not such a bad idea.
Most of the time I have no idea what I want. I can be indecisive and negative about such things but this time I am sure.
Determination has kicked in and it WILL happen.
Friday, February 18, 2011
17.02.11
People interactions are really quite interesting.
I caught up with Jets for lunch. I haven't seen her in quite a while and yet, we are both so good at talking that there was no silence at all. I really appreciate that she believes things and feels passionately about things. She makes me want to be more sure of myself and my convictions.
Then later on tonight Elliot came over and our interaction was completely different. Initially I think he was at my house to watch a movie with Dan but he came and sat next to me on my bed and we chilled. He didn't move until the film was over. Most of the time we were in silence, unlike Jets and I. He was reading a book and I was on my laptop. It was cool just to be comfortable doing nothing.
Both hangouts were sweet. Just different.
I caught up with Jets for lunch. I haven't seen her in quite a while and yet, we are both so good at talking that there was no silence at all. I really appreciate that she believes things and feels passionately about things. She makes me want to be more sure of myself and my convictions.
Then later on tonight Elliot came over and our interaction was completely different. Initially I think he was at my house to watch a movie with Dan but he came and sat next to me on my bed and we chilled. He didn't move until the film was over. Most of the time we were in silence, unlike Jets and I. He was reading a book and I was on my laptop. It was cool just to be comfortable doing nothing.
Both hangouts were sweet. Just different.
16.02.11
Art is weird.
It is.
There are so many hidden meanings and it could tell you something completely different to what it tells me.
That's why I like it.
It's a little bit elusive.
We went on a sculpture trail today around the clifftops of Waiheke Island. There were so many awesome ideas put into huge artworks which cost thousands.
My favourite was a huge wall thing made out of stacked wood. It smelled really good too.
It is.
There are so many hidden meanings and it could tell you something completely different to what it tells me.
That's why I like it.
It's a little bit elusive.
We went on a sculpture trail today around the clifftops of Waiheke Island. There were so many awesome ideas put into huge artworks which cost thousands.
My favourite was a huge wall thing made out of stacked wood. It smelled really good too.
15.02.11
Waiheke is really a beautiful island, and fairly cheap to get to. For a $30 round trip you get to ride on the ferry and stay on a quaint little island with vineyards, rolling hills, cliffs and beautiful beaches.
Mum and Dad had a place there for a few nights, overlooking a bay. It was beautiful to sit out on the deck and watch the ocean change before our eyes.
It never looks the same. People come and go. Surfers tried and then packed it in when they realised there were no waves. The waves never lap quite the same. The tide is constantly moving.
The ocean is fascinating.
Mum and Dad had a place there for a few nights, overlooking a bay. It was beautiful to sit out on the deck and watch the ocean change before our eyes.
It never looks the same. People come and go. Surfers tried and then packed it in when they realised there were no waves. The waves never lap quite the same. The tide is constantly moving.
The ocean is fascinating.
14.02.11
Valentines Day.
Like each year before this one, I came to dread the 14th February.
I tell myself I don't care about it at all. "What a load of commercial rubbish" and the like.
But I always end up caring.
It was a pretty swell day in the end. It didn't go completely Valentine-less and I had a lovely date with Amy Lloyd.
We saw the ultimate romantic comedy. No Strings Attached.
It's the new The Proposal.
He makes her a period mix CD complete with Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis. What more could you need!?
Like each year before this one, I came to dread the 14th February.
I tell myself I don't care about it at all. "What a load of commercial rubbish" and the like.
But I always end up caring.
It was a pretty swell day in the end. It didn't go completely Valentine-less and I had a lovely date with Amy Lloyd.
We saw the ultimate romantic comedy. No Strings Attached.
It's the new The Proposal.
He makes her a period mix CD complete with Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis. What more could you need!?
13.02.11
Tonight I went to Windsor and it was freaking awesome. I love that it was so Spirit-led. There were heaps of opportunities for the youth to share about what God was doing in their lives and they did! They were so open and shameless about faith and what they were going through.
I want to know how it happened. Wave needs to be more like that. We're lacking an openness which leads to genuine Christian community. It's so important.
Also, Ash led Praise The Lord, which is a sweet worship song. We sang it over and over. So many times. Just the right amount. I saw Ash peek at Ben, the youth pastor and he got the nod that it was ok to keep going. Everyone was into it.
I want to know how it happened. Wave needs to be more like that. We're lacking an openness which leads to genuine Christian community. It's so important.
Also, Ash led Praise The Lord, which is a sweet worship song. We sang it over and over. So many times. Just the right amount. I saw Ash peek at Ben, the youth pastor and he got the nod that it was ok to keep going. Everyone was into it.
12.02.11
I missed my friend's wedding today. It's pretty stink. I was at work and I just couldn't leave. There was far too much to do.
The concept of someone my age getting married is still pretty strange. It's just as weird now as it was a few years ago. It doesn't get more normal. I wonder if, in five years it will still be weird to have a friend walk down the aisle. That is, if I haven't by then.
I haven't made any plans to get married soon. Don't fret Mum!
It's pretty awesome though. What a commitment. It's a pretty incredible thing to say to someone that you're there "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, til death do us part." Cliches aside, the words are pretty profound.
The concept of someone my age getting married is still pretty strange. It's just as weird now as it was a few years ago. It doesn't get more normal. I wonder if, in five years it will still be weird to have a friend walk down the aisle. That is, if I haven't by then.
I haven't made any plans to get married soon. Don't fret Mum!
It's pretty awesome though. What a commitment. It's a pretty incredible thing to say to someone that you're there "for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, til death do us part." Cliches aside, the words are pretty profound.
Monday, February 14, 2011
11.02.11
It rained so heavily on the bridge tonight. It was a little scary, I'll admit.
But I had my wits about me, it's ok.
There was 20% vision, if that.
The car felt funny when I drove through puddles of water. Driving in torrential rain is not fun.
The Harbour Bridge was the worst part.
By the time I got to Esmonde, the road was dry.
Gotta love the sunny North Shore.
But I had my wits about me, it's ok.
There was 20% vision, if that.
The car felt funny when I drove through puddles of water. Driving in torrential rain is not fun.
The Harbour Bridge was the worst part.
By the time I got to Esmonde, the road was dry.
Gotta love the sunny North Shore.
10.02.11
The moon followed me home tonight.
It was a perfect crescent in a blue haze of cloud.
Whenever I looked out my car window it was there gliding along beside me.
It was a perfect crescent in a blue haze of cloud.
Whenever I looked out my car window it was there gliding along beside me.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
09.02.11
After creating and consuming a delicious Thai curry, Emily and I watched The Book Of Eli.
It was much like The Road except less beautiful.
However, it did leave me with a greater appreciation for the bible.
In the film, all the bibles had been burned 30 years prior and people were going to great lengths, even killing each other to aquire the only one left.
The reverence and awe surrounding the holy book in the film was a bit convicting for me.
It made me wonder whether I hold my bible in high enough regard. Even the bad characters knew of its importance and power.
Everyone was hungry for its words. God's words.
Am I that hungry for His words?
It was much like The Road except less beautiful.
However, it did leave me with a greater appreciation for the bible.
In the film, all the bibles had been burned 30 years prior and people were going to great lengths, even killing each other to aquire the only one left.
The reverence and awe surrounding the holy book in the film was a bit convicting for me.
It made me wonder whether I hold my bible in high enough regard. Even the bad characters knew of its importance and power.
Everyone was hungry for its words. God's words.
Am I that hungry for His words?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
07.02.11
My mind has been blown. Quite literally. There's a goopy fluid coming out of my ears and I keep finding bits of brains on my clothing. It's gross really.
Because of my lack of functioning organ, I haven't been able to express myself properly since Sufjan Stevens walked onstage. Adorned with glowing tape, flashing lights, and shining glasses, he and the whole 11 piece band made some of the sweetest sounds known to man as they jumped and danced like mad things.
The arrangements were incredible. There were so many instruments, voices and effects but they all came together and blended. I don't know how it happened. The man is legend.
I don't want to ever listen to another song again. I feel like I just experienced something so pure that anything else will just taint it.
Sufjan has left me with the verbal capacity of a one year old. All I can do is open and shut my mouth, emitting slurred and incomprehensible sounds.
I'm surprised I can even type this.
Because of my lack of functioning organ, I haven't been able to express myself properly since Sufjan Stevens walked onstage. Adorned with glowing tape, flashing lights, and shining glasses, he and the whole 11 piece band made some of the sweetest sounds known to man as they jumped and danced like mad things.
The arrangements were incredible. There were so many instruments, voices and effects but they all came together and blended. I don't know how it happened. The man is legend.
I don't want to ever listen to another song again. I feel like I just experienced something so pure that anything else will just taint it.
Sufjan has left me with the verbal capacity of a one year old. All I can do is open and shut my mouth, emitting slurred and incomprehensible sounds.
I'm surprised I can even type this.
Monday, February 7, 2011
06.02.11
Tonight on the way home I stopped in Mairangi Bay to post a letter. The air was thick and warm as I took a few barefoot steps.
I just felt Summer. I suppose it was because it was so late and I had stopped on an impulse.
I can't really sum up the feeling I had. It just kind of was.
Summer should be filled with impulsiveness. It's a season without rationality.
I just felt Summer. I suppose it was because it was so late and I had stopped on an impulse.
I can't really sum up the feeling I had. It just kind of was.
Summer should be filled with impulsiveness. It's a season without rationality.
05.02.11
I've been waking up mere hours after going to sleep for a while now.
It's not the healthiest feeling to wake up and not completely lose the groginess for before midday.
This morning I went out in public with sheet marks all over me. There were creases on my face, my arms and my legs.
It was rather hilarious.
I suppose the remarkable thing was how important sleep actually is. Without it I am a mess. I break down in tears, wander aimlessly, drive terribly, and am just generally unproductive.
It's not the healthiest feeling to wake up and not completely lose the groginess for before midday.
This morning I went out in public with sheet marks all over me. There were creases on my face, my arms and my legs.
It was rather hilarious.
I suppose the remarkable thing was how important sleep actually is. Without it I am a mess. I break down in tears, wander aimlessly, drive terribly, and am just generally unproductive.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
04.02.11
I know life can't be based on compliments, but there's no denying it makes you feel good.
Tonight I got quite a few about my dress. It was very nice becuase I wasn't sure about it to begin with. It was an op shop number which took me an afternoon to take up and hem.
The effort was apparently worth it.
I will certainly wear it more often.
I feel very vain that this is my remarkable thing for today.
Tonight I got quite a few about my dress. It was very nice becuase I wasn't sure about it to begin with. It was an op shop number which took me an afternoon to take up and hem.
The effort was apparently worth it.
I will certainly wear it more often.
I feel very vain that this is my remarkable thing for today.
03.02.11
Sylvia North, Amy Ritchie, a last minute decision to go to a gig, a crush, and Momotea make for a great night out.
It was fun being girls and dressing up and talking about boys.
Amy took many photos and kept wanting to be embarassing like a mum with a camera.
We should ladies night more often.
It was fun being girls and dressing up and talking about boys.
Amy took many photos and kept wanting to be embarassing like a mum with a camera.
We should ladies night more often.
02.02.11
I love that mushy feeling that romantic films and books give you.
It's just such a good feeling.
There must be a release of endorphins involved when your favourite characters have that beautiful kiss in the final scene because I could not stop grinning after Never Been Kissed even though I've seen it about a million times.
It's just such a good feeling.
There must be a release of endorphins involved when your favourite characters have that beautiful kiss in the final scene because I could not stop grinning after Never Been Kissed even though I've seen it about a million times.
01.02.11
I've never really been a huge fan of scary movies. I don't find them so much thrilling as petrifying.
So I am glad that I never saw the trailer of Black Swan before deciding to go see it tonight. I probably never would have and that would be a travesty.
Although it had Amy and I cowering together in the seats in parts and covering our eyes in others, it was freaking amazing.
There was so much beauty in it. Natalie Portman delivered a flawless performance and the editing was excecuted so well.
I am in love with it.
It has been a while since I've seen something which has left me a little flabbergasted.
So I am glad that I never saw the trailer of Black Swan before deciding to go see it tonight. I probably never would have and that would be a travesty.
Although it had Amy and I cowering together in the seats in parts and covering our eyes in others, it was freaking amazing.
There was so much beauty in it. Natalie Portman delivered a flawless performance and the editing was excecuted so well.
I am in love with it.
It has been a while since I've seen something which has left me a little flabbergasted.
31.01.11
Sometimes people are so incredibly talented that it just blows your mind.
Sam Verlinden is 13years old. His voice is more than amazing.
They are so young and they got to play mainstage this morning.
Watch:
Sam Verlinden is 13years old. His voice is more than amazing.
They are so young and they got to play mainstage this morning.
Watch:
30.01.11
This Parachute has been weird. It seemed way more Christian. It's probably because I keep going to see worship bands play.
It's been such a good day for getting in the face of God. I really love how worship does that. It just takes you straight to Him.
Yesterday at Come and Live I was worshipping and not really feeling it. Life's been a bit crazy recently which has kind of wound me so tight and I've kind of just had my head in this cloud. I know worship isn't about 'feeling it', but I was finding it hard to break out of the cloud and lose myself in God.
Tonight during Edge Kingsland's worship set I finally did this and then God spoke to me heaps through Louie Giglio's message.
Sometimes it just all clicks and you put it all together and it's just, wow.
I had a revelation of God's joy in no matter what is happening. Never give up praising. It's like God was saying, "The storms of this year aren't over. There are more hard times to come, but it's ok because I'm here. Just keep worshipping me."
I've heard it before but it was just so crisp and clear.
It's been such a good day for getting in the face of God. I really love how worship does that. It just takes you straight to Him.
Yesterday at Come and Live I was worshipping and not really feeling it. Life's been a bit crazy recently which has kind of wound me so tight and I've kind of just had my head in this cloud. I know worship isn't about 'feeling it', but I was finding it hard to break out of the cloud and lose myself in God.
Tonight during Edge Kingsland's worship set I finally did this and then God spoke to me heaps through Louie Giglio's message.
Sometimes it just all clicks and you put it all together and it's just, wow.
I had a revelation of God's joy in no matter what is happening. Never give up praising. It's like God was saying, "The storms of this year aren't over. There are more hard times to come, but it's ok because I'm here. Just keep worshipping me."
I've heard it before but it was just so crisp and clear.
29.01.11
Tonight I recieved a gift from a girl I had never met before. It was a little bracelet she had made. She was normally selling them to get a bit of cash but during worship that night God had told her to give them away.
It was just one of those little blessings that made my day that little bit more awesome.
It was just one of those little blessings that made my day that little bit more awesome.
28.01.11
The first day of Parachute is always so long. It usually starts for me before 6am with the drive down and then set-up and into the bands in the evening.
This year was no exception.
I love and hate the hours with nothing to do, waiting for 4pm when the festival begins and having set up all the tents you have. Previous years we've had to do it frantically and use the spare hours to defend our territory against encroaching neighbours. This year was different. Our nearest neghbours seemed miles away by Parachute standards. It was actually quite spacious and delightful.
This year was no exception.
I love and hate the hours with nothing to do, waiting for 4pm when the festival begins and having set up all the tents you have. Previous years we've had to do it frantically and use the spare hours to defend our territory against encroaching neighbours. This year was different. Our nearest neghbours seemed miles away by Parachute standards. It was actually quite spacious and delightful.
27.01.11
Today I had a very proud moment. I have never driven with or attached a trailer to my car before in my life and this afternoon I had to do it all by myself.
I unhooked the trailer and dragged it to my car and hooked it all up. It wasn't light either.
It just made me feel all accomplished. Partially in a, "I don't need a man's help" kind of a way.
I then drove it through Browns Bay and up a hill with road works in my little gutless Corolla. At points I felt like I was going to start rolling backwards. We made it home safely though.
It was just one of those things that makes you feel all independent and good about life.
I unhooked the trailer and dragged it to my car and hooked it all up. It wasn't light either.
It just made me feel all accomplished. Partially in a, "I don't need a man's help" kind of a way.
I then drove it through Browns Bay and up a hill with road works in my little gutless Corolla. At points I felt like I was going to start rolling backwards. We made it home safely though.
It was just one of those things that makes you feel all independent and good about life.
26.01.11
Children can have fun for hours doing things that adults just wouldn't think of.
This morning Milla beene, Kirsten and I had so much fun with a pile of dressups. We were being flower princesses and dancing to 90s hits.
It was so simple and yet so entertaining.
This morning Milla beene, Kirsten and I had so much fun with a pile of dressups. We were being flower princesses and dancing to 90s hits.
It was so simple and yet so entertaining.
25.01.11
I have wanted to make a rainbow layered cake since I first saw a photo of one a couple of years ago.
Today my dreams came true.
Emily and I set out to buy purple, turquoise, yellow, and blue food colouring to make the cake exciting.
It took hours and hours of mixing, baking, cutting and spreading. Eventually it was in the fridge setting nicely.
In the end it looked amazing. The taste wasn't that great. Very cream-cheese icingey.
I love cream-cheese icing so I was a fan.
It's great to make something so out of the ordinary and something I had been wanting to do for ages.
Today my dreams came true.
Emily and I set out to buy purple, turquoise, yellow, and blue food colouring to make the cake exciting.
It took hours and hours of mixing, baking, cutting and spreading. Eventually it was in the fridge setting nicely.
In the end it looked amazing. The taste wasn't that great. Very cream-cheese icingey.
I love cream-cheese icing so I was a fan.
It's great to make something so out of the ordinary and something I had been wanting to do for ages.
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