More difficulties to come

They say things always happen in threes (3s).

So far health-wise I'm 2/3 of the way there. Have pondered what the 3rd condition is going to be.

It's time like these I really do want to just have a happy, normal healthy life like so many that I know and love. On the surface it all seems really good and nothing is getting in the way of enjoying it.

I know that this is not always true, but it would be really help me if different people could remind me of that fact on a regular basis.
 One of the niggling sins I have is the tendency to take the 'why do others have such a better life than me' view, especially when all I find myself doing is sharing my problems with others (which does keep me grounded to an extent) but all I seem to get in return is that other people's lives are always great and there are no health, relationship or life complications.

At this point in time I think the 3rd possible medical condition I have is going to be answered soon and it may or may not be a good one.

Lent

Today is Shrove Tuesday (or Pancake Day) which means tomorrow will be Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

Even though I publicly profess I am a Christian, I have never observed Lent as part of the Easter period. Friends of mine that attend non-Baptist churches (which is the only church I've been a part of so far) do observe this each year, in various ways.

You hyprocrite! I might hear some people say.

Wiki friend says:

This event, along with its pious customs are observed by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans and some Baptists.^[4][4][5][5] Lent is increasingly being observed by other denominations as well, even such groups that have historically ignored Lent, such as some Baptists and Mennonites^[6]

Generally speaking, whilst fasting is the main activity observed during Lent, (e.g. only eating fish and basic foods for 40 days), others may choose to give up certain luxuries instead for 40 days, or choose to devote the 40 days to prayer, or focus on giving up their time, money and other things for the church.

I have wondered though why our particular Baptist church has historically ignored the greater part of Lent, and only observed from Palm Sunday onwards (being the last week of Lent). On the surface, one may argue that fasting is no longer required on this side of the cross (post death and resurrection of Christ) and what is most important is remembering the Lords Supper on Maundy Thursday and the Easter Triduum.

I agree that the last week of Lent is important, but why should the church as a whole not also observe the full 40 day period by undertaking some fasting, devoted prayer and commitment to the church and to God?

On what doctrine is the view based on to ignore the greater part of Lent other than the last week of it?

Might have to re-look at the constitution of our church and see what it has to say.

Please help me God

Dear Heavenly Father, I have been sad and upset in the past about many things.  But now I feel a sense of deep bitterness which I know is uncalled for and not appropriate, but it hurts so much more than I have ever felt it go before. Please release me from this anguish, teach me to overcome this and still genuinely love others and be a faithful servant to you. May I be reminded that your grace is sufficient for me, that nothing in my hand I bring to you is acceptable to you, but that what you really want is for me to confess that I have sinned and failed you once again and need forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ.

It is not my will but yours, and it probably is not for me to know what will happen in the coming days, months or years, but all you ask of me is to trust in you, in your promises, in your Word, in your justice, in your faithfulness, in your providence and in your blessings to come no matter what.

Thank you for loving me no matter how much I hurt you and still have to learn.
I pray these things to you in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord,

Amen.

Whoa!!

Have just been asked (along with many others) to help cater afternoon tea for a wedding for 450-500 people!!!

However, I think another wedding I attended a couple of years ago was about 600ish so 500 is nothing to sneeze at I guess :)

What is the biggest wedding you've been to so far?

A little bit of inconvenience

Had to take my brand new car to the assessment centre this morning. Someone backed into the front of it over the Christmas/New Year holidays. The damage does not affect the driving ability, but does inconvenience me for a little bit until it is repaired.

Am now forced to drive a mauve-coloured Nissan Micra. A pretty gutless car..............even more gutless than the Toyota Yaris!

Have had enough car hire experiences for me to suggest that you refrain where possible from driving the following cars:

Nissan Tiida
Hyundai Getz
Nissan Micra

Students and Workers

Recently I have been once again thinking about the whole study-to-work transition and how this continues to affect our relationship with God and Christian service.

I can attest to this transition in my own life and have learnt many lessons and made many mistakes.

I made the choice to commence full-time work straight away after completing my studies and earn my own income so I no longer needed to rely on my parents.
Reflecting on this choice I have some regret for what I did, as I had many friends who made the more common choice of taking a really long holiday (mostly overseas) to celebrate the end of exams, assignments and group work forever. They then started work 3 months later. Just because I never did this doesn't meant it shouldn't be done, but as I mature I've come to understand that there are dangers with what I chose and what others chose.

A common explanation heard is that when you are a student you have alot of spare time but not much money. When you become a worker you have lot of money and not much 'spare time'. As a student you have a very active social life of parties, weekends away and a new term I've learnt.........chillax. With the transition to worker we now have money, but that active social life does not reduce per se, but rather increases to the point where the $$$ spent of these parties, weekends and holidays become more extravagant and luxurious as we actually have the money to spend. For some, buying a house is on the cards so money and time is spent on repayments as well as eating out and buying the latest homewares, cooking equipment, gadgets, computers, cameras and furniture for the home. These activities increases if marriage occurs during this time.

But what happens with Christian ministry and the relationship a Christian has with God during this transition?

As a student with much spare time (unless you have a secure part-time job), some spend a significant amount of that spare time helping out in church-based or mission-minded activities such as music at church, Sunday School, youth group, beach missions, running evangelistic events and discipleship with peers or those younger than them. On top of this there are many holiday camps and conferences they can attend (with either some savings or parents expense) to serve or grow and learn more about God to challenge our desire to serve, love and honour Him in all aspects of our lives. Looking back I cannot BELIEVE the amount of stuff I was involved with!!!!!
The senior staffworker during my time at university had said- 'the zeal and real growth of a Christian mostly happens between the ages of 18 to 24.'

Once we commence full-time work, that 'spare time' for ministry automatically diminishes as suddenly work becomes our priority. What time is left is usually spent relaxing, pursuing hobbies and the 4 weeks paid annual leave is spent travelling most of the time as work is a hard, long slog.

'We deserve it' we convince ourselves. 'We work hard so why can't we enjoy life ?' The desire to serve in church-based, mission-minded areas and attending training conferences reduces as we'd much rather spend the Friday and Saturday nights socialising with our work friends, church friends or spend a girls weekend away down the coast of have a 48 hour LAN party with our mates. I'm not targeting any specific group or gender with this, as I'm as much at fault as you are for falling into this very big trap.

What has happened to that zeal?
We cannot do all social things and neglect Christian ministry, and yet we cannot do all Christian ministry and neglect social things. However, which one would God prefer we choose? What does the apostle Paul write in Philippians 3?

I say I'm busy this week as I have touch footy on Mondays, meeting up with some girlfriends Tuesday night, Wednesday I hit the gym, have dinner with my spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend Thursday as its date night, and Friday drinks with the workmates on Fridays, then Saturday I have to go do the groceries and Sunday I have church. However, what exactly am I busy with? Where is my commitment to a regular bible study group and seeking ongoing ministry training opportunities?

I say I'm busy this week as I have BSF Monday night, meeting up with David and Kevin for Tuesday night discipleship, church bible study group Wednesday night, study prep for youth group Thursday night, youth group on Friday night, Saturday there is music practice in the afternoon before young adult fellowship at night, and then I'm playing music at church Sunday morning. Why then am I so tired and burnt out?

I look forward to be enlightened and finding the answers to this at Ignite 2012.

1st week

Last day of the 1st week back at work for 2012. Hope that you all had a good, healthy start to the new year.

cricinfo.com.au has been my friend these last couple of days for the match between AUS and IND. For those that still define cricket as an insect, you have absolutely no idea what you are missing out on.

I admit that I have attended the occasional T20 match myself, the main problem with T20 becoming so popular amongst those that are not keen followers of cricket but are happy for a night out at the cricket, is that cricket is just a game where you stand there and swipe at every single ball that comes at you.

What has happened is that the next generation of players seem to only be proficient (or lackthereof) at smashing and dashing, that when the more patient, classic players would leave at least 40% of the balls alone is considered 'abnormal'.

Didn't mean to turn this post into a commentary on cricket, but had to get that off my chest.

I don't think we may see the likes of Little Master, Punter, Pup and Mr Cricket play like they have been in future generations.

Kitty

I'm a dog person, not a cat person but can tolerate them if they have a good personality.

A ginger cat (female mind you) adopted us as its new owners about a month ago. No warning or anything, just showed up on our doorstep one day and has been here ever since.

We're pretty sure it has its set house rounds as most cats do, and actually belong to the neighbours across the road. They don't seem to really care on her whereabouts though, but I guess she can always go back home when she wants to.

What I think has happened is that she has been neglected, not fed etc (she is abit on the thin side) so has made the decision to find a new home. She is a pretty little thing with no blemishes (I'd say pedigree but apparently pedigree ginger cats are all male?)  and has already demonstrated her ability to catch mice under our house.

Guess it's not a bad thing then.

Note: generic image only and not indicative of the actual Kitty.

Diets

That 2 week reprieve from work went all too quickly!
Back on my 2nd week and catching up on the latest news on the web in our country.

There is a news article that supposedly says that the people of our nation are eating themselves to death, with approx 1/3 of our meals being fast food and takeaways.

http://www.news.com.au/technology/doctors-weigh-in-you-are-what-you-eat-and-australias-killing-itself/story-e6frfro0-1226220222732

Looking also at the recommended daily intake of all food groups has led me to do a comparison of the typical Aussie diet and the diet of that of my latest overseas trip- Nippon.

Wholegrains and Cereals

Aussie:
A simple breakfast of the average Aussie man/woman at home before heading to work or dropping the kids off at school would be a bowl of cereal, maybe a slice or two of toast with Vegemite, jam or whatever takes their fancy.

If you wanted to go all out and have a hearty Aussie breakfast (or truckers brekky), this would usually consist of toast, bacon, eggs, sausages, grilled tomato, hash brown, steak and/or pancakes. (Grease, grease and more grease)

Nippon:
We experienced different sorts of breakfast on our trip. Nowadays the working Japanese has a simple breakfast consisting of toast, a boiled egg and a coffee at home. If you were to eat out, the fast food on offer (other than Maccas) would be a bowl of sauteed beef and onions over rice, nigiri sushi or danish, croquettes or sausages in a bread roll from the numerous convenience stores.

Fruit & Vegetables
Aussie:
We are meant to have 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables per day. In reality most of us only consume half (if that) of this. The majority of times I find myself having fruit is as an occasional snack (morning or afternoon tea), but that is only if I can not tempt myself to reach for that packet of chips or crackers. Veggies though, we usually have as a side, amongst other carbs and put meat at the centre of our meals. I'd like to try and change that.

Nippon:
I didn't have much fruit over there, but in saying that though there was no shortage of it being offered as part of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fruit was even available for purchase on the side of the road with a honesty purchase system. Even if you purchased a bento box (lunch box of a variety of sushi, seafood, egg) there was always a piece of fruit included to finish off. Much of the desserts are also fruit-based, if not otherwise just garnish over something abit more sweeter but not as sweet as Western desserts.

Unlike us, the Japanese put much more emphasis on vegetables. Every meal has either pickled veggies, boiled veggies, or came with a fair share of veggies with only minimal seafood and meat. (hard-core carnivores will weep). But...........................all meals were surprisingly filling even for a standard carnivore like me. I think I ate the equivalent of about 1 whole cabbage over the course of the trip.

Meats and Meat Alternatives

Aussie:
As mentioned before, we pride on our meat, whether red, white or multicoloured. Serious meat-eaters will devour a hunk of steak in moments and then have veggies as the side dish which if they don't finish they don't care. As long as all the meat is finished we are satisfied. Meat is cheaper here than in Nippon which is why we have so much more of it in our meals.

Nippon:
Meat (especially red and white meat like chicken and pork) is quite expensive there, hence it takes a backseat at most meals and allows veggies and rice to take over. There is nothing bad about this, except you might crave a big juicy steak sooner or later, which you can freely have, but your food budget will go out the window. Seafood on the other hand is pretty popular considering it is readily available.

Dairy Products

Aussie:
Milk and cheese are pretty popular choices here. Whether its part of breakfast, cooking or simply putting on a party spread there will always be dairy evident in many foods we eat.

Nippon:
Things such as cheese and cow's milk are hardly used in Japanese food with the exception for maybe  some desserts, however I must say I was abit surprised to see cheese still readily available on the grocery shelves. Most foods are soy-based which satisfies all lactose-intolerant people. Tofu is a very popular choice.

Sugars and Fats

Aussie:
Lastly, we love our fatty and sweet goodness. Be it savoury snacks and lavish/decadent desserts we probably eat waaaaaaay too much sugar and bad fats, but it tastes sooooo good!!! (Just have to get on that bike and ride to Perth and back to work it all off)

Nippon:
Desserts are also sweet but not as sweet as the Western palate. Those that love their thickly -rich chocolate mud cakes and sweet pavlovas will be disappointed with their desserts. I much prefer their desserts to be honest. Most are custard or fruit-based or contain red beans, sago, jelly and glutinious rice. However, I did stumble across a macaron tower in one of the big underground malls.....

Merry Christmas to all.

Thank You

Just thought I'd like to thank anyone that actually reads my blog, and I do apologise for not updating it as much as I would like. Honestly though, even if no-one actually reads this I really don't mind. Although I do appreciate the occasional comments :D

At times I really don't have much to say or have anything exciting to share so would rather say nothing at all.

I am very blessed to still have an active social life 'offline' so to speak. That is, socialising outside of areas like Facebook, Twitter, Google+?? (out of those 3 I really only use Facebook)

For the next 2 weeks I'll be gallavating around a foreign country and would like to go back to having a holiday where I don't need to keep everyone up to date on my travels. To immerse yourself into a foreign culture and trying to avoid visiting overcrowded tourist attractions and head off the beaten track is my aim this time round.

Only 1 month til Christmas!!!!

Passing On

My Grandad-in-law (Husband's grandfather) passed away a week ago.
It never occurred to me that he was the closest Grandad I ever had- will miss him, but we will celebrate his life and the wonderful times we had with him at a memorial service tomorrow.

Death is not something people like to discuss. But as I talk with more and more people, the evolving thoughts about it is that 'it just happens' and there is nothing we can do about it. We just follow the process of mourning, grief, remembrance and then say a final farewell before we go back to our usual daily routine.

For some, especially when death comes to those that are young, it is difficult to say goodbye entirely. The concept of injustice creeps in but that is a topic for discussion at a later time. In situations like my grandad-in-law who lived to a good ripe age of 89, it is sort of expected but then the shock of the sudden departure still creates some grief.

It's times like these that I think death should be discussed, however difficult the topic may be.
People ask questions about what happens to life after death, whether there is a heaven and hell and reflect on the 'good things' that person has done which then guarantees them a place in heaven.

I hope from my past blog posts that people realise that I do not agree with that last sentence. I believe that heaven and hell is real. There cannot be a heaven without a hell and vice versa. Heaven is a place where God dwells for all eternity. Hell is the place where God is absent.

There is nothing (whether good or not) that we can boast about that will allow us into heaven. I believe that God as our Creator through his love has given us the following choice: To accept Him as Lord and Saviour, or to reject Him completely. There is no sitting on the fence with this option. Whatever choice we decide on, God will grant it accordingly.

To accept Him as Lord and Saviour means to confess that we by nature, are condemned to death because of our wickedness and sin. That person confesses and believes that through the death and rising from the dead of Jesus Christ (the Son of God) they are now forgiven, accepted by God and believe that they will spend all eternity in heaven with God. Through this belief they live life for God and put Him first in their lives. This by no means says that they are no longer wicked and no longer sin, but rather they recognise their sins/struggles and turn to God to teach them how to resist and ultimately change. For these, death is only the beginning of a eternity with God.
To reject Him is to not acknowledge God of what He is or His existence. It is to live life for oneself completely, making our own choices and satisfying our own desires. It means that life is lived with no regrets. When the time comes to be accountable for those choices that were made, the reliance on getting to heaven is based on the good things they have done. The fact that the life that was lived
rejected God and His existence, then their future is eternal separation from God.

Here's something worth reading also.

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/categories/dont-waste-your-life

Whales

We have the privilege of living in a place ruled by democracy; a place where you can experience multiculturalism without even leaving the country.

It's also a place where during the right time of year you can go whale watching- only an hour's drive from home to the coast.

After living in this country all my life, as a belated birthday present..................I shall be going whale-watching for the very first time.

Very excited about this- hope that the weather clears up to be a beautiful spring day, for us to enjoy these big, beautiful, graceful creatures of the sea.

Was abit skeptical until now

I think I've just experienced my first ever migraine.
It's been a week now and it comes and goes. When the pain comes it is quite potent.

I'd always been skeptical of migraines and their existence but now after some medical advice and experiencing it first-hand, I can deny no longer- it really does exist.

I've heard other opinions that such symptoms are simply hypochondria, but when you feel that much pain all of a sudden on a semi-regular basis is hard to ignore.

Selfishness vs Selflessness

These 2 words, although only containing a difference of 3 letters in spelling have such different meanings entirely.

One denotes having an exclusive concern about oneself vs the other that exhibits little or no concern for oneself. News reports are forever providing explanation of this trend of selfishness as the current generation's personalities but I think the society as a whole is affected by this.

When presented with options or choices to make, our first reaction is 'What's in it for me?' or 'Which option will benefit me the best?' To take it further, we fail to plan ahead and live in the 'here and now' with instant gratification driving lives and choices.

We blame our busy lives on being time-poor- but is it really that simple?

This is no different in the Christian life. We make excuses to not pray, read Scripture, go to church even and give financially to those that ask without expecting anything in return. But somenow, we always manage to find time watching podcasts, playing games on our smartphones, going out for coffee, having dinner parties, playing sport, playing computer games, watching TV, pretty much anything that is considered 'more fun' than spending time with our Lord.

I blogged previously about what KP Yohannan said with regards with financial giving amongst the fellowship of the church and how many churches including my own, are very materialistic in the way we think and don't give generously because we prefer to keep the majority of the things we think we own back to the Lord for His use. Classic example would be providing free food to a church full of wealthy people and families, rather than giving the free food to people just down the road that really need it.

"We do not own ourselves; we are owned by God," said John Piper in his Don't Waste Your Life messages. The ultimate act of selflessness and the greatest gift to ever be freely given to those who believe, is the gift of forgiveness, unconditional love and acceptance into eternal life with God through sending His Son to be punished, die and condemned with all the wickedness of the world laid upon Him.

We have no right to claim we deserve to be loved and accepted by God based on what we do and who we are.

GFA Audio Book

During a recent 4 hour return car trip from camp to a wedding and back again, we listened to the audio version of the free Gospel for Asia book 'Revolution in World Missions'.

Written by Dr KP Yohannan, it chronicles his journey from a remote Indian village where he grew up, to be convicted of native missionary work and thus establish what is now known as the 'Gospel for Asia' missionary organisation. (or GFA).

The world generally knows about World Vision sponsorship. The Christian network knows about Compassion and TEAR sponsorships and community projects. There is nothing wrong with supporting these, but GFA offers something uniquely different.

Rather than sending people from developed countries into developing countries to do social and community projects or even evangelism amongst the local people, GFA's focus is on training people from within those countries to preach and teach Scripture,. They are then sent back to their homeland to undertake this ministry, as they have the unique advantage of already understanding the culture, the language and the people they serve.

One chapter in the free book described how when KP was visiting many churches in the US to generate support to establish this organisation and to support missionary work in general, one quote he wrote stood out for me:

(paraphrased)

"I'd be drumming up financial support for missionary work amongst the churches and their leadership team. They would happily offer donations of various amounts, but when I was invited afterwards to a dinner function with them, the amount of money they spent on the dinner alone was so much more than what they gave financially towards the missionary cause. This made me sick and wonder "are we as a society so materialistically-driven that we act as if we give generously, but in reality only give a small portion of what we think is generous and keep the rest for ourselves?"

All Day Brekkies

I cannot resist all day brekkies if the opportunity allows me.
In saying that though, there aren't alot of places that offer this on their menus where the brekky is actually so good you have to make a return trip. Better still, become a regular.

Franchises aside, (sorry Coffee Club), there have only been a small number of places that I've considered to be great places to visit and tuck right into a hearty savoury or sweet breakfast for morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and the occasional dinner (if the joint is open after 4:30pm).

Pandemonium Cafe

This I think is one of the great little secrets in the inner-city. Brightly decorated in retro colours, furniture and music gig posters, this cafe in a small lime green house serves fantastic brekkies ranging from the hearty truckers brekky, simple eggs on toast, sausages and eggs, bacon and eggs, omelettes, pancakes and the classic Pando's Eggs Benedict on toasted turkish/ciabatta. Also has a great drinks selection ranging from teas, coffees, milkshakes and fresh fruit juices and frappes. Caters for gluten and vegan diets too if given notice. Prices are pretty reasonable.

The Gun Shop Cafe

I haven't been here for quite awhile, mainly due to the cafe not allowing breakfast bookings on weekends, but this would be the place where I was first introduced to gourmet breakfasts. Whilst the brekky menu changes seasonally, there will always be something on the menu that will whet your appetite. Prices are on the higher side in comparison but that's what you get for a cafe that also doubles as a fine dining restaurant when the sun sets.

Red Radish Cafe

Whenever I head down the coast for some cheap retail therapy at Harbourtown, I like this place for its basic, no-nonsense breakfast fare. It is I think, one of the very few cafes in this complex that does offer more than just the usual sandwiches, open grills, muffins, coffee and cake specials, when you really feel like something more substantial to keep you going until the shops close at 5pm. Again, fairly reasonably priced.

New Farm Deli

Probably one of the original deli's that expanded into the cafe business, by allowing customers to consume the food first and then if so inclined, purchase some for home when they leave. Whilst not exactly a breakfast item, it is famous for its large bell-shaped risotto balls that will satisfy any hungry customer. There's nothing wrong with eating rice for breakfast though. My grandmother makes the best congee in the world.

New places that I would like to visit:

The Rare Pear
The Music Kafe
Campos Cafe

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week- Spring/Summer 2011/2012

Scored an invitation to the NewGen Show at RAFW in Sydney this week, courtesy of some very talented cousins of mine.

It's all abit new and strange to me really- this means I will actually have to make an effort to look fashionable and actually look like I think about what clothes I wear every single day.

No idea on trends, what to/what not to wear, have a very small supply of jewellery and accessories that any girl would shake their heads at in disbelief.

I'm a tracky-dacks, t-shirts and jeans girl................

Repeat Blog Content

Just blatantly repeating blog content as I couldn't think of making this any clearer:

A fishing we will go
A fishing we will go
Heigh Ho, the derry ho
A fishing we will go

Alternative Choice

Poor Tasmania.
Always the bridesmaid to a planned Japan trip. Didn't think this would happen in 2 years.

Hope we can eventually make it to Japan someday.

We traded the following:
- sushi
- katsu
- okonomiyaki
- sashimi
- kaiseki
- Totoro
- Mt Fuji

for these instead:
- fresh oysters shucked on same day
- homemade scones with fresh strawberry jam and whipped cream
- fresh smoked salmon
- hearing about 10 convicts that stole the last ship on the Sarah island penal settlement and sailed it all the way to Chile
- 12 km bushwalk in World Heritage National Park
- trout fishing
- Cascades brewery tour
- Mt Wellington
- Nerf Gun War in Newtown

Had enough of sensationalism

Article about the Japanese resilience in the aftermath of last week's events.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/why-quakes-leave-the-japanese-unshakeable/story-fn84naht-1226021692350

The 3rd last paragraph really hit a note for me. I really have come to dislike the way our country reports any local or world news because of this.