You're all Murderers...

You’re all murderers…

Is one thing you WON’T hear me say.  In this blog.  Or ever.  Let me start again…

I recently decided to try a Vegan diet and it’s been an interesting two months.   I first kept my decision to myself like a personal project.  During this time I did a lot of reading online and asked myself a lot of questions.  For example:  Cows produce milk because they have babies that they need to feed, but their babies are taken away from them so that the farmers can milk the mothers  and us humans can drink the milk.  Am I okay with that? Does that sit well with me?  For the last three years I thought I was doing the right thing by buying free-range eggs and now I find out that male chicks are killed and hens over 18mo are slaughtered regardless.  How does that make me feel?  Do I think eggs taste good enough to support that?

It’s pretty boring inside my head.  But these are the sorts of things I pondered quietly for a few weeks.  Until I told my husband, the meat-eating, carb-loving man that I love.  That’s when this whole thing got interesting.

When I say “meat-eating” and carb-loving”, I really should be more specific: hubby eats meat, carbs, and that’s the end of the sentence.  So you can probably imagine how he took the news when I gingerly said to him “I think I might be a Vegan”… Whatever you’re thinking right now is probably wrong!  He looked me in the eye and said “I’m proud of you, I think what you are doing is noble, I love you and I support you in this”.  One week later he surprised me with an epic sleep in followed by breakfast in bed: homemade, vegan, mixed berry pancakes.  I can’t (and wouldn’t!) make this stuff up.

It gets better, weirder, and more interesting.

Somehow it came up in conversation at my parents’ house that I was taking on a Vegan diet.  Neither of them really cared one way or the other, except of course “as long as you’re still eating something” because that is literally the most parental thing that any parent can say (and don’t parents say this to their kids at least once a week anyway?).  And then this happened:

“As long as you don’t lose your sense of humour”

“Ummm, what do you mean?”

“Well, a lot of Vegans tend to lose their sense of humour and don’t know how to take a joke.”

“…… Okay…”

It took me a full 24 hours to respond with (to myself, because no one is ever around when you have the best comebacks) “how many Vegans do you know!?”  I know the answer to this is ‘none’, until now.  In fact, I’m pretty sure if anyone in my family has to fill in any medical documents with questions like “does anyone in your family have a mental illness”, they will respond with “yes, my sister is a Vegan”. 

The final instalment of my two month journey thus far is having my beautiful and amazing and Godly and inspiring and hilarious and kind-hearted friends from Australia visit me here in NZ*.  Hubby thought it was necessary to tell them about my new eating habits, while I did not.  

Once the V-word slithered its way out in bits and pieces, I got the obvious “why?” question.  If you haven’t figured already, I’m pretty shy and keep to myself on almost everything, and assume at all times that no one cares about anything I have to say about myself.  Ever. 

Do any of you watch Parks and Recreation?  If you have, you would have already picked up on one small homage to the show in this blog entry, but here’s another one:  I’m like Jerry after more than 20 seconds of talking.  I’m not used to talking for that long.  I’m definitely not used to talking about myself, and I absolutely hate being different  or noticed.  So, when hubby wants to tell people I’m a Vegan, I go red and bashful, when people ask me about Veganism I feel judged and embarrassed for being different, and then I feel paranoid and guilty for being a “picky” eater… the list goes on.

So, the point of this post is not to tell you that you’re a murderer, it’s not to try and convert you, and it’s definitely not to make myself feel superior in anyway (seriously, did you read the previous paragraph!?).  It’s to tell you that I’m a Vegan…and to unashamedly practice telling people why.

Here goes nothing… I’m a Vegan. 

I’m a Vegan because I love animals but I don’t love how they are treated in the meat and dairy industries.  I’m a Vegan because I want to live a healthier life.  I’m a Vegan, but I’m still me.  I still love eating at restaurants, my sense of humour has not changed, I still love, feel, live in the same way I always have.  If you want to know more, just ask, be genuine, don’t judge.  Being a Vegan doesn’t make me better than anyone else, it just makes me a better version of myself. 

I stole that last line from the interwebs, but it’s true.  And beautiful, don’t you think?

*Those friends are Kate, wonderful and brilliant Nurse and author of this blog, and her husband.  When Kate heard I was Vegan, she said “Whatever you do, don’t post an angry rant about meat-eaters on my blog” and I couldn’t agree more with her!  I’ve been eating meat (and cheese *drooling*) for the last 24 years of my life, and most vegans probably have too, so why hate?  I wish the extreme Vegans wouldn’t make the rest of us look bad.  Imagine the world we would live in if everyone treated animals and fellow humans the way Vegans treat animals… Kate, the title of this blog entry is just for you.

Chocolates, a Highway, or...?

Life is a funny thing.  It can be many things to many people.  A box of chocolates, a highway, or as I have recently decided, a random combination of three things.

It can be a thing you cannot change, a thing *think* you can change, or a thing you *can* change.  Let me explain ... 

Things you cannot change are things that have already happened but you dwell on them.  Unnecessarily.  And for a long time.  I got married just over three years ago and it still annoys me that I forgot to tell the photographer that we were going to high five instead of kiss (whoops).  It was an awesome moment not captured on film.  Then, at the other end of the day, hubby and I both forgot about the traditional carry over the threshold thing (whoops again!).  But who cares!  I can't change that, and even if I could, would I really bother with the hassle of it all.  I've seen a lot of time travelling movies, there are way too many risks and rules involved.  A thing I cannot change.

Growing up I remember stumbling upon scrapbooks that my Mum made.  Scrapbooks that were actually scrapbooks, not these awesome, amazing, crafty things that they are now.  But actually books with pages that look like they were made old scrappy paper and you just cut and paste things onto them.  The scrapbooks that Mum made were just filled with cards that she had received from people at various milestones.  I always looked through the ones from my first birthday or my baptism.  There is something bizarre and heartwarming about reading something that someone wrote to you 10 years before you even understood how that person fitted into your life. 

Naturally, when planning my baby shower last year, these scrapbooks came to mind.  I am a sentimental person.  But I am also a ruthless, crap-hating non-hoarding person.  My husband likes to remind me of this every now and again by saying “Remember when someone gave you a present that you hated so much that we dropped it off at the op shop on the way home?” (Yes, I’m actually that ruthless, but no…I waited until the following day to op shop it).  Anyway, I knew that if I got a million cards from people that I wouldn’t be able to throw them away, but I also would hate keeping them.  So, I decided that this was something I could change (first mistake!) and came up with this brilliant idea that instead of people wasting money on a card (honestly, guys, you can pay like $10 for these things that are literally just pieces of cardboard folded in half) they could buy a children’s book and write their inscription/well wishes on the inside cover.  I wrote an awesome, cute, rhyming poem (second mistake!) explaining my simple request of a book instead of a card and included it on the invitation.  Problem solved.  Nope.

What I actually ended up with was a RIDICULOUS amount of books, like SO MANY BOOKS I might start a library.  Which is great, my girl Lou is going to be a book worm just like her mama.  The amount of books isn’t the problem.  The amount of cards that I also got is the problem.  So, I spent the afternoon after my baby shower writing on the inside cover of every single book who it came from and the date.  And then, I just stared at the pile of greeting cards feeling defeated.  Those over-priced, glorified pieces of card with their fancy matching envelopes bested me.

Some things you think you can change but you can’t.  Or maybe you can, but using a cute little poem isn’t the way to go about it?

But this is the best part.  There are things in your life that you actually can change.  Like, for realsies.  I’ll prove it with one simple word: oils.

Eek!  Even just saying that makes me so excited.  And I think I deserve to be excited by it.  Oils, guys!

Since the start of this year hubby and I have been trying to buy cruelty-free AND chemical-free products.  It’s hard.  And expensive.  And exhausting.  Then I discovered essential oils.  Now I don’t have to waste time staring at labels and Googling company after company in the middle of a supermarket aisle trying to figure out who owns what brands and whether or not they test.  And what the heck is formaldehyde!?  And then once you finally get it all sorted, you are left with 100mL of natural, organic, NZ-made something-a-rather that costs twice as much as everything else that comes in a bottle three times the size.  I wasn’t kidding when I said its hard, exhausting and expensive.

But then I discovered oils and changed my shopping experience completely.  I can make my own window cleaner.  I can clean countertops with things I keep in my pantry.  Because essential oils (EO) are amazing.  And the best part is that it doesn’t end there.  I love how I got into the oils, to find an easier, safer, cheaper alternative to harsh chemicals and animal-tested products, but I’ve stuck with them for so much more.  Just today, I have enjoyed grapefruit EO in my smoothie*, I’ve fought off sickness by using a beautiful protective blend of EO on the bottom of my feet, I cleaned my grapes with water and lemon EO before eating them*, I used tea tree EO and lavender EO in my shampoo and frankincense EO in my moisturiser.  Essential oils are versatile and allow you to take control over so much in your life.  I’m not helping companies unnecessarily test their products, I’m not filling my home with a crazy amount of chemicals that I know nothing about, and I feel healthier and happier.  Oils, you guys!

Life is a random combination of three things, the unchangeable, the unchangeable disguised as changeable, and the changeable.  But all of these things are great, don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.

*I need to add in here that not all oils are created equal.  Please do NOT ingest essential oils unless they are pure, therapeutic grade and safe to be ingested.  Haha, you thought I was going to leave you with a link to go buy oils from me, didn’t ya!? :)

Journalling

I've decided I must blog more.

I was just reading some of my previous blog posts. Is that weird or vain?

Anyway I was and realised, not only did I not majorly suck at writing, but I realised, it was really nice to be able to revisit the stories of my life. Almost therapeutic.

For example, I was just reading the post where I was about a month away from doing placement in September last year, and during the lead up to placement's, performances, worship leading, assignments, exams, tests, and generally entering places or meeting people that I'm unfamiliar with, cause so much anxiety and worry in me. Even when I try to think about something else, or convince myself that I'm over thinking things or being ridiculous, it's like my body doesn't believe me and does things that make the anxiety even worse!

But rereading that post reminded be that almost a year has passed since that time. That I got through placement, I got through my exams and successfully completed my second year of uni, that mum is so much better.

It also became incredibly real to me that I am about to begin my final year of university. I should be graduating in less then six months, I may possibly, God-willing, have a job for next year as a Registered Nurse!

Boy am I... freaking the hell out!

Anyway, enough about that, my plan was to really create a space for a journal type thing, with help from my bestie Rach.

One thing that is very prominent in nursing is reflective practice journals. I never got the grasp of these journals and couldn't figure it out until someone explained it to me like this, "tell me how you felt during that time, instead of listing all the tasks you did".

So that's what I shall endeavour to do.

This week I have another two days of work, one day off to enjoy as my final day before uni and essentially the beginning of the rest of my life. I have to play piano for church on Sunday and I picked a song that needs a bit of help in vocals, thinking I may be able to contribute.

Pray for me that I stay sane, and not worry, pray for my voice, and that I can give praise to Jesus without being proud.

Kate

Hello, it's probably not me you're looking for

Hello, I'm Rachel.

About a week ago I got a text from Kate asking me to be a writer on her blog.  I've always wanted to be a blogger, so without hesitation I said yes.

I've been considering since then what my first official post should be about, and inevitably I decided on introducing myself:

I'm a nerd.  Just an absolute dork.  This means I'm awkward.  About everything.  Kinda like a living, breathing oxymoron.  I love red lipstick, but would never EVER wear any.  I love to read novels, but find myself flicking through magazines way more than I should.  I love the Marvel cinematic universe (thanks to Hubby), but I have never picked up a comic book which, yes, makes me one of those annoying Marvel fans, the kind that no one likes to see show up at Comic Con coz all they really care about is RDJ and Chris Pratt.  I like to cross stitch (but haven't since 2013), love to colour (while eating lollies) and love to listen to music (you didn't hear this from me but sometimes me and Hubby binge watch Glee just for the songs.  And yes, the title of this blog is a terrible play on words, referencing a Lionel Richie song.  I am so, so sorry).  

I go to church.  Every Sunday.  I believe in the power of prayer.  I try to do good things for others as often as possible and be kind to one another, which either makes me sound like a "good Christian", or a huge Ellen DeGeneres fan.  I like to think that I'm both.

I have been married for three years.  Three amazing years.  There has never been a dull moment with Hubby and I often find myself wondering how the heck I got so lucky.  I think God was multi-tasking the day we met, because it was also the day I met my bestie, author of this very blog, Kate!

Last, but certainly not least, I'm a mummy.  I have been for a little over six months so still very new to the role.  However, it doesn't take long to fall in love with a job like this.  My daughter, Lou, is just the darn cutest wee thing.  Motherhood changes you (that's another post for another day) and I know this because I opened up a nappy last week and saw Lou's first ever solid poo, and I got excited.  Noone.  Not ever.  Gets excited about poop.  Unless they are a parent.

That's me.  You can expect lots of nerdy, churchy, wifey, mummy blog posts from me.  But don't be surprised if you find yourself reading a whole lot more.  In the meantime...

So nice to meet you,

xx Rach

An Original Masterpiece

This past week I have been at a christian youth camp, with a leadership camp just before that. So I've been at camp for 7 days and I am relieved and saddened by it being over.

Camp can be incredibly energy sucking, mainly because we have to be alert all the time, helping out with campers, some of who are quite young and can be a tad on the irritating side, thought I'm aware that most 10-11 year olds are this way.

I was also the first aider and played in the band, played piano which was fun and also tormented my nerves the whole time, by the end of each set my face would be burning red and hot to touch. 

I am always rejuvenated and my passion for God and His works and people after camps. Being in a community of like minded, christ centred people is an amazing experience. Singing songs of praise and worship, watching young men and women of Christ lifting there hands, with closed eyes, thanking and worshipping a present God that loves them so deeply!

So deeply that He went to hell for me (you), so that He didn't have to be in Heaven without us. Thats His love.

We also watched a short clip by 'the skit guys'. The skits guys are two actors from America who do funny and serious clips that can be used in worships services, to lighten the mood, or set it.

You can find them on youtube, they have videos for all occasions, mother and fathers day, christmas, easter, I highly recommend the easter skits.

The video we watched on camp was called 'Gods chisel'. It's based on Ephesians 2:10

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10.

"Compare yourself to others instead of me - God' 

"When you look in the mirror who do you see" - God
"I see me" 
"Ok, then I need to keep chiselling, because ultimately you and others need to see my Son" -God

"In this relationship, I hold you up - God"

Just a few things that I found spoke to me personally.

Jesus is so important and yet so many people throw his love away. There are so many places in this world that people go to and try and find fulfilment, but it never last, it fades away, like this world will. We are not perfect, but Jesus makes us perfect.

God made us, and God doesn't make junk. We are God's original masterpiece.

Reading Writes

So I've been sorely lacking in the reading department the last few years, which just will not do.

This year I have read 4 books and am half way through my 5th. I know right, how bad, and I don't even have kids!

Thats no including the textbooks plus the many journal articles I've been reading for uni!

Not too long ago I wrote a post (you can read it here) about the books I had currently read, two being from Francine Rives.

But recently, I am half way through 'the fault in our stars' and I'm pleasantly surprised by it, its taking a little long to get into it, like I said I'm half way through and not much has happened, besides a budding romance, like all good young adult books usually have.

Source

Despite this, the book is really well written. I usually skip paragraphs that just describes things, in order to get through the book quickly but I have to stop myself with this one because it's those paragraphs where most of the funny things are written.

And some of the more thought provoking moments are.

So as soon as my last assignments are done I will finish this book hopefully, and tell you if the book maintained it's good start.

Which will probably be next month anyway, as I am on placement for the whole month of September!

Anywho, linking up with big sis for her first 'Reading Writes'.

And also over at Essential Jess for IBOT

Stories Brought to Life

Being busy is slightly less boring than not being busy.

But it also allows for me to run through the weeks and can't figure out where 5 weeks disappeared.

I have my Nursing Assessment by simulation on Thursday, plus a science test on friday while trying to work 20 hours in the next three days... Somewhere I'm going to have to drop something in the next three days.

Recently it's just been about uni, working, and making trips to Sydney, and socialising, which takes up quite a bit of time. In fact it has been taking up all my time.

I haven't touched my cross-stitch or knitting or crocheting in a few days now and probably wont be in the near future.

I'm learning to make the most out of my days, to be productive and disciplined. Which sucks, but I guess that's a part of growing up, and God is teaching me all these things, slowly and with a bit of (well a lot of) resistance on my part.

Despite all the general busyness of uni, work and life in general, I have managed to pick up two books and read them. Both books by Francine Rivers, first was 'Lineage of Grace' and "Unfailing Love'.

The first was a compilation of stories of women in the bible, in a narrative form, subjective to what the author believed the thoughts and emotions were behind the stories, despite be subjective, as all things this way are, I do believe that she stayed at true the story as possible. It helped me to take the bible stories that I knew so well, the stories of Ruth and Naomi, of Rahan, and Tamar, Bathsheba and Mary, mother of Jesus. These ladies came to life through this story and became more then just symbols of strong women, because it brought their reality and their emotions and struggles and failures into a real, tangible, experience that I can relate to. 

It showed to me that it is not us that is the focus of those stories but the way God worked in them. He worked because these ladies new who God was, and they trusted in His never failing love that one day, whether what they wanted or believed would happen, it was in God's time, His impeccable time to know what we need instead of what we want.

The second story was about the prophet Hosea and the prostitute he married, it wasn't exactly like the other ones. This one followed the premises of the story of Hosea and the prostitute he married but in the 1800s and it follows a christian man who see's the woman he believes he will marry, walking down the street, only to be informed she is the most sought after prostitute in the area. It shows the never ending love and acceptance God has for us, Jesus gave us our freedom to be fully loved and forgiven by God, and this book shows that no matter how many times we leave, turn our backs on God, because we think it's right, God will always be there, waiting for us to return so He can love us again and we can love Him.

Anyway, they are great books and I really enjoyed reading them. Due to uni and work I've stopped myself from reading the books that I bought last week, one of which included the 'fault in our stars'.

Also if you hadn't noticed my blog got a make over a while ago. Thanks to my big sis Kylie who designed it and all kudos to her awesome ability!

Linking over for IBOT with Jess

Thirty by 30

Seeing as I am 24 in about 2 months time, I didn't think that 14 months was long enough to do all the things on my list with everything thats going on, and theres some that I have already completed so I'll be including some but not others! So I'm changing my list all together because I don't really like some of the ones that were on the old list haha.

So here goes nothing...

1. Graduate with a Distinction
2. Complete FLEC certificate
3. Specialise in ICU/A&E or Surgery (haven't quite decided yet)
4. Write a research paper
5. Complete a certificate in counselling
6. Buy a house
7. Further my AUSLAN study
8. Learn a language (Russian or French)
9. Read 200 books
10. Read the OT and NT of the bible
11. Read all the books on my shelf!
12. Own all the F.R.I.E.N.D.S dvds (almost there, only need seasons 3 and 4 to complete my collection!)
13. Travel to the UK
14. Travel around Australia
15. Use up all my left over wool!
16. Make a Quilt!
17. Buy a sewing machine for said Quilt
18. Develop my own pattern
19. Make enough scarves and beanies to open a stall at a market!
20. Develop a craft storage system that works! (cue pinterest)
21. Give up chocolate/fast food for a whole year!
22. Run 10km
23. Run 10km in 60 minutes
24. Own a Garmin GPS watch
25. Blog every day for a month
26. Get better at meal planning and cooking at home!
27. Improve cooking skills, incorporate some vegetarian dishes (need recipes for that one!)
28. Be more disciplined/on top of house and uni work!
29. Learn to be a morning person!
30. Have a baby

At the heart of it all.

"A goal without a plan is just a wish" -Larry Elder

Four Months

Easter Camp happened over the Easter break, S and I directed this camp, which is a camp to focus solely on what Jesus Christ went through to reconcile you to God, how He took on all our sin and paid the consequences for our failures. Was a fantastic weekend of fun activities and amazing worship.    

I love to cross-stitch, these are some of my creations both finished and unfinished, since uni has started back I've had to spend a bit more time on that then my hobbies, which is sad but good thing I like my uni work!

The next few photos are from a family holiday I went on with my in-laws, up to Port Douglas in Northern Queensland. I had never been that far North of Australia before and I must say it was amazing. We went  from the 21st of June to the 28th of June. Beautiful 25 degrees or more every day in the middle of winter is something I could get used to!

My favourite photo is at the end and I didn't even need to put any filter on it! Just beautiful.

Snorkelling on the great barrier reef!

Port Douglas church. Taken after the service.

Cape Tribulation

Where the Daintree rainforest meets the ocean.

 It's been almost 4 months since I posted last, and as you can see I've been doing quite a bite. If you've been following my sister Kylie's blog you will have also heard about the accident with my mum, this year has outdone itself! And we are only halfway!

So I am in week 3 of semester two in the second year of my three year degree, the finish line is almost tangible! I have placement coming up in the month of September and will be at Hawkesbury and Westmead hospital in Sydney. Really looking forward to it as I have not yet been to a big city hospital.

But between now and then I've got multiple assignments and mini tests to complete, a Hanson concert to attend in Sydney, and many other things that'll become hectic and make me feel like I have no time. I know I'm only young and don't even have kids yet but I feel like I'm so busy with so many different things that I can not wait till november when I am finished my uni for the year and hopefully life will calm down a little bit!!!!

It's been a while since I've linked up but I still read tuesday blogs over at Essentially Jess each week.

Redemption In Progress

Redemption in Progress

This is the story of how Redemption in Progress came to life.

I am an avid reader. I love to read.

My favourite books were young adult christian centred. 

In particular a book series called 'Confession of a teenage girl' by Melody Carlsen.

This particular teenage girl's name was Chloe. After the first book journey's through her story of coming to Christ, and developing a love to make music, she formed a band.

With two fellow (well soon to be) christians. Their band was called Redemption.

I find this word, to me, to be multi-faceted.

Redemption reminds me that I am redeemed, and that I have a redeemer. His name is Jesus Christ.

He died for me, because he would, 

'rather go to hell for me, than to heaven without me'.

This has always summed up my understanding of why Jesus did what he did.

The 'in Progress' part of my blog is to reflect on the fact that I need to constantly remind myself that I am saved, I am redeemed, I am forgiven, I am set free.

Sometimes this world can consume my thoughts and actions, believing the lies about myself that don't reflect the real me.

Jesus words and actions free me from the restrictions of this world and it's a daily progress, a life's progress. 

This is the progress of my redemption everyday.

Blogs I Love to Read

Easter Camp 2014

So not too many months ago S was asked if would like to Direct Easter Camp, run by Turning Point Ministries (TPM, a part of the Lutheran Church of NSW). To which he said yes to...

Easter Camp is an amazing experience, it starts on Maundy thursday, and goes to lunch time Easter Sunday.

The camp follows the last weeks days of Jesus life, death and resurrection, beginning with the last supper.

The campers that come to this camp are usually between the ages of 13-17, not exclusively though but this camp is also known at 'Confirming Easter Camp'.

Confirmation in the Lutheran church begins around the start of high school or thereafter and it consists of a year or two of group studies, with the pastor, and we learn about Jesus, investigate His life, what it means to be a christian today and how it can impact my life.

Confirmation classes then lead onto 'being confirmed'. A chance for these young folks to stand up in front of their confirmation and confirm what their Godparents said at their baptism, that they will continue to follow Jesus and it's a decision they choose to make.

This Easter Camp helps give a deeper understanding of what Jesus did for them, and us. 

We simulate what would have happened in the events before Jesus death.

So S and I have been given the task to organise this years camp.

Easter Camp is pretty structured but I really want to do it justice. 

But being fully aware of God's presence of the working out of this camp.

It is a bit task no less, even being a small camp, something I love as it allows campers to build deep, faithful relationships with God and other christians their own age.

Easter is less then two weeks away now, so there's lots of preparing to do. But most likely I will keep updates here on our progress.

Hope you are spending your Saturday night as productively as mine, I'm acutely aware that daylight savings ends tonight so technically I've still got an hr before I should head to bed!!!

Seek Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly With Your God

"People aren't confused by the gospel

They're confused by us

Jesus is the only way to God

But we are not the only way to Jesus

This world doesn't need my tie, or my hoodie

My denomination or my translation of the Bible

They just need Jesus

We can be passionate about what we believe

But we can't strap ourselves to the Gospel

Cause we're slowing it down

Jesus is going to save the world

But maybe the best thing we can do

Is just get out of the way"

Casting Crowns-What this world needs

The title comes from the Casting Crown song, 'Courageous'. 

Casting Crown is a band formed by youth pastor Mark Hall, and consists of seven members now, most who serve as minsters in a Eagles Landing First Baptist Church in Georgia, USA.


Mark Hall performs the lead vocals for the band and his voice is so easy to listen to!

Beautiful tone and the female vocals match so perfectly with his voice and make the songs sound complete.

The main reason I enjoy Casting Crowns, and it's not just because of the amazing music but because of their words.

I've yet to come across a band in which I can connect so deeply and with such understanding the words in which they sing.

They are stories, peoples stories they sing, truth in God's word it's and being able to capture that and provide people in their concerts the ability to sing along and make the words their own, because it's their story to, it's my story and it's my path to Jesus

This song it called East to West and it's so beautiful and speaks so clearly about a pivotal point in Jesus life, his death and resurrection and why he did just those things for me and you.

East to West by CC

Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness

The chains of yesterday surround me

I yearn for peace and rest

I don't want to end up where You found me

And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight

I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west

And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned

But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away

From You leaving me this way

Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west

'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again

In the arms of Your mercy I find rest

'cause You know just how far the east is from the west

From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin

Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in

Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away

From You leaving me this way

Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west

'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again

In the arms of Your mercy I find rest

'cause You know just how far the east is from the west

From one scarred hand to the other

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light

I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night

I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals

I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me

You're holding on to me

Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west

I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again

In the arms of Your mercy I find rest

'cause You know just how far the east is from the west

From one scarred hand to the other

One scarred hand to the other

From one scarred hand to the other

Being Me

Sometimes when I approach a blog I think about how well my writing will be, whether it'll be interesting enough, if anyone will read it, will it be coherent.

Lots of things flowing through my brain about the whether or not it's worth writing a most, but along the way I'll read another blog encouraging me to write for me and only me and not for popularity and be myself.

So as for the whether or not my post's will be coherent is up in the air and I will try, but I am a very non-coherent person.

I'm chopping and changing conversation constantly and S is always telling me to stop and give him a bit of contexts because he can't read my mind and doesn't know where I'm up too.

So as I write this it's 11 o'clock at night, the AFL is on in the back ground (yes I said AFL...) and I'm tired. It has been a long week.

Uni is getting more and more stressful and I'm definitely treading water right now.

Not only do I have uni, where in the next two weeks I'll have more then half of the assignments for this marks and will also determine my future as a nurse, I also have work.

Getting lots of extra shifts working front till and in bench at the pharmacy as well as the my regular weekly day of webster packing, that alone is tiring, just learning all this new information on top of uni, luckily they kind of go together, as I am learning medications which helps working at a pharmacy.

The campsite S and I did our internship at and where we really met for the first time, runs an Easter Camp every second year, and this year, S and I are organising it, which is creeping up on us and I don't know where to look when I've got so much other stuff going on.

Not only am I organising a camp I am also a youth leader at my church and sing in the band some sundays, this sunday included and I'm ALWAYS nervous about getting up to sing because I'm not all that confident with my ability to sing, but we also have a youth led service next sunday that we need to organise.

So life is pretty busy at the moment. 

But although when I look into the future and make a list of all the todo things, I feel an odd calmness and ability to succeed, (minus the singing, I'll never feel like I can succeed at that) I know God is in control, that after this month it will calm down a little and I can hunker down and concentrate on uni and study.

I desperately want to be graduating uni at the end of next year! Praying everyday for a renewed energy to take on the tasks at hand. Just have to stop knitting!!!

Hope your life isn't as hectic and you have a great weekend, I'm working on uni assignments and study, what's on your agenda?

{Lent} Week 2

So lent has been going really well and tomorrow marks two weeks since my last bit of chocolate.

I haven't been doing as well with the exercise, though I walk around so much as work and uni that I feel that it equates to 30 minutes a day.

The thing with lent and giving up chocolate is that it's not as hard as I expect it to be.

I'm not trying to sound like a saint or anything but it's been really good not eating chocolate, almost like opening my mind to other foods and snacks in the world.

I am a creature of habit and tend to just grab and eat the same old thing everyday because it's easier.

It's forcing me to open up my mind to new foods which is great.

As for the running, well, I ran last wednesday when I had a day free, but I have honestly not had a free couple hours to go running and recuperate, usually I use that as an excuse, but between uni, 21st, and working, I've been finding it quite hard to fit one in, and sure enough if  I do I'm too tired to run.

Like right now I got home from uni at 2pm and have working starting at 4 in 45 minutes.

I will run this wednesday though, maybe try and keep wednesdays open for running.

Hope you lenten plans are going well!

God bless!!

Day 1 - {Lent} Thankful Thursday

Day 1 - {LENT}

So lent started yesterday with ASH wednesday.

Lent is the 40 days before Easter, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Ash Wednesday reminds us that it was dust the we came from, and to dust we shall return.

Lent is also a time that one decides to give something up, thousands of years ago the norm was fast for certain days around Easter and even for lent, eating only once a day. 

Today you can chose to fast, and have one meal once the sun has set, but most of will chose to give up one item that they see as being a hinderance to themselves or harmful, or just a good idea to give up, things like chocolate, or soft drink, or facebook.

This year I am giving up chocolate.

Yes chocolate, I have eaten so indulgently of chocolate in the last year and a half and it has to stop! It takes 30 days to make a habit so hopefully 40 days will help develop a healthy relationship with chocolate and I can find something else to snack on.

Something I've started thinking of lately as well is the decision to pick something up during lent as well as giving something up.

So I am deciding to give up and hr of my time each day, half an hr to a walk, of any kind of any pace, just to be outside and walking, and a half hr to reading my bible. Something I have always struggled with and forget how much I learn from the bible!

Lent is about remembering, and being thankful. I have so much, and others have so little, life is precious and the items in this world we feel is important are really not. 

Because we need to remember that we are dust, and to dust we shall return. 

Linking up with A Parenting Life for Thankful Thursday

Starting

This year started with a bang. S was away for two weeks straight, then a whole week away at camp. Then straight into work! Dinner dates, meetings, weekends away and then some more work.

I can't believe it's half way through February! Time just ran away from me, literally, I feel like I've been running a race this last few weeks and I just want to sit for a day, not today though I need to work, and not tomorrow, I need to be organising uni textbooks, which will be over 500 dollars this semester, thank goodness I had some extra work!

Uni is still 2 weeks away, starting the first week on March, having finished last year at the end of October, I am chomping at the bit to get back into learning! I've already printed out all my resources, tutorial notes, signed up for one class, and waiting for my other classes sign-up to happen so I can have my timetable set in stone.

Unfortunately I had some disturbing news not too many days ago. An email sent through to all nursing students informing them that there will be no on campus lectures this semester, besides the first week, all resources will be online.

For some this was a welcome relief but for me, not so much. For full time workers it was, less time at uni, but the whole purpose I went to internal student instead of distance and having a full time job is because I can't do self directed learning! I had a distance subject last year and the only times I looked at the content was when I had to complete the assignments! 

I want to attend lectures, all the resources and recording were online anyway for those who didn't want to attend lectures but for those who really used those lectures to learn now they are gone and I have all this extra time that I don't have work so now I'm really going to have to discipline myself and do all the work at home. If I wanted to do that I would have gone distance!!! 

All that said, I am still excited about uni this semester, feels like I'll really be learning things that nurses do, IM injections, wound care, things that I'll then get to practice on my four week placement in a hospital.

Hopefully next week will be really slow and not hectic and I can relax before uni kicks off and I'll be into my 2nd year of nursing!

Is there anything you are looking forward to? Or not looking forward to?

Linking up with Jess for IBOT

January 8th-January 15th

Fearless by Max Lucado

January 8th

"It's not the absence of storms that sets us apart. It's whom we discover in the storm: and unstirred Christ."

January 9th

"You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents. Psalm 18:48 (NLT)"

January 10th

"The disciples scream; Jesus dreams. Thunder roars; Jesus snores. He doesn't doze, catnap, or rest. He slumbers. Could you sleep at a time like this?"

January 11th

"You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is you security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:25-26 (NLT)"

January 12th

"[Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on a pillow" (Mark 4:38).... This was a premeditated slumber. He didn't accidentally nod off. In full knowledge of the coming storm, Jesus decided it was siesta time, so he crawled into the corner, put his head on the pillow, and drifted into dreamland."

January 13th

"The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall i be afraid?"

January 14th

"Fear corrodes our confidence in God's goodness. We begin to wonder if love lives in heaven. If God can sleep in our storms, if his eyes stay shut when our eyes grow wide, if he permits storms after we get on his boat, does he care? Fear unleashes a swarm of doubts, anger-stirring doubts."

January 15th

"The more insecure we feel, the meaner we become. We growl and bare our fangs. Why? Because we are bad? In part. But also because we feel cornered."