There is a silly joke in our household. Tim and I have some similar taste in movies and TV shows (Sci-fi and adventure sitting pretty high on the list), but one thing that brings us together like nothing else is the Back to the Future Movies. We both loved them as kids, we still love them as adults. One of the jokes that occasionally comes up is the excitement of counting down until we reach 2015. Because, despite no advancements to suggest this is the case yet, of course by 2015 there will be flying cars and most particularly hover-boards. That reminds me, I need to start working on my skateboard skills in preparations ;)
Time is such a weird thing.
We have just a little under a month and a half until we move to Melbourne for good. It hit me this week that I could no longer feel super organised by saying "Yes, I think I'll probably start packing this week". Three weeks ago, that was super organised. This week, given that I haven't actually even put together a box, I realised that a month is not a long time to pack up a house, while working pretty much full time and socialising the rest of the time.
It has hit our year of College that things are almost over. And so the next three weeks or so are filled with lots of "Final events". Final College dinner in the playground. Final Bible study social. Final book club, final chapel, extra four year specific thanksgiving service. Official College good-bye dinner and any number of goodbye dinners that we organise just because we are going to miss everyone. A friend and I were saying, it's great that we are being so social, but we wish we'd realise how much we'd miss our year sooner so we could have fit all these events into the whole year and not just the last month!
And so, even though it will be a special and meaningful month, I feel a little dizzy when I think about it. Because I already feel exhausted coming home from work to quickly cook dinner before heading out again. Adding packing to the mix seems like a bit much.
We have been in Sydney for Four years. Sometimes it seems like the time has flown and sometimes it seems that four years cannot be enough time to fit in all that we have experienced, the good and the bad. Nothing has been as I have expected- the things I thought would be hard have not been, the things that I thought would be easy have not been. But God has got us to this point anyway, and I am grateful.
On Tuesday, Tim will sit his last exam for a very long time. And then, we will get ready to pack up and leave this Sydney life forever.
Time is such a weird thing.
Love B
Friday, November 4, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Two highlights from the week
I am a shocker of a blogger. To be honest- blogging on this blog has been pretty low on my list of priorities. And I don't really apologise for that. But I feel I would have to apologise if I let two very important events pass by without a shout out to the blogisphere!
Number 1: Tim has finished his project and college! Well, kind of the second one. He still has one exam to go, but he's quitely confident, and he's finished classes (true story, the last lecture of his degree he actually was the lecturer, how funny is that! He and a mate from the class ran a fun lecture of preaching). He has also finished his project, which is basically his honours thesis. And I am proud not only because it's done but because it's fabulous. He did his project on "Hope". How non-academic and practical is that! Of course it was an academic paper, but I read it and felt encouraged as a Christian so go Tim!
I thought I would find the photo of facebook of Tim where he looks the smartest. What do you think?
Highlight number two was three of the girls from Tim and my Bible study who got baptised on the weekend. It was such a special day, so special to see them make this important step in acknowledging their faith. I got to hang out with them as they got ready, I got to pray for them at church, and most priveledged of all, I've got to see them grow into the fine Christian women that they are. Super proud moment :)
Number 1: Tim has finished his project and college! Well, kind of the second one. He still has one exam to go, but he's quitely confident, and he's finished classes (true story, the last lecture of his degree he actually was the lecturer, how funny is that! He and a mate from the class ran a fun lecture of preaching). He has also finished his project, which is basically his honours thesis. And I am proud not only because it's done but because it's fabulous. He did his project on "Hope". How non-academic and practical is that! Of course it was an academic paper, but I read it and felt encouraged as a Christian so go Tim!
I thought I would find the photo of facebook of Tim where he looks the smartest. What do you think?
Highlight number two was three of the girls from Tim and my Bible study who got baptised on the weekend. It was such a special day, so special to see them make this important step in acknowledging their faith. I got to hang out with them as they got ready, I got to pray for them at church, and most priveledged of all, I've got to see them grow into the fine Christian women that they are. Super proud moment :)
Despite my lack of blogging, I am planning on continuing to blog, and am kinda excited about starting with a fresh new name when I am no longer Sydney-side. I do like blogging. I just like it in moderation.
love B
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Website
Our Church plant has it's own website! It is in it's early stages, but it's still pretty exciting.
www.gracechristiancommunity.org.au
Have a look!
love B
www.gracechristiancommunity.org.au
Have a look!
love B
Monday, October 3, 2011
Working at something you are not good at
This last few weeks have been mad in our household. Things haven't been too crazy for me, but they have been mad for Tim.
He's been very busy with study, and he's been doing I suspect about 1.5 days worth of work on the church plant on top of that.
Of course, I would love him to not be as busy, and for us to spend our usual amount of time together, but the truth is, I am also incredibly proud of him.
Tim is not an administrator. He is not a money man. And he is not an IT person. But in the last month he has worked his butt off to work out how to do all these things, so that the church plant can get off the ground.
He hasn't enjoyed it. He has been dreaming longingly of the time when he can leave that behind and put his time into ministry planning.
It's funny because Tim's one of those people who lots of things come easy to him. He is confident up the front, he is someone who loves preaching and teaching, and people naturally warm to him without him having to put in too much effort to win their affections. Ministry is never easy, but it's always come more naturally to him than to many of the rest of us.
Making websites, setting up bank-accounts, and understanding tax laws, does not come easy to him.
But it's been wonderful to see him working hard for God, because something is important, not because it's easy.
It's a challenge for me, because I am someone who hates being bad at anything. So much of the time I run to things I'm good at, congratulating myself on my abilities (which are God's gift anyway) and avoiding things that might make me look or feel bad because I am not as competent as others.
Tim's efforts these last few weeks have been a good reminder to do what is best for the kingdom, and not just what is easy.
love B
He's been very busy with study, and he's been doing I suspect about 1.5 days worth of work on the church plant on top of that.
Of course, I would love him to not be as busy, and for us to spend our usual amount of time together, but the truth is, I am also incredibly proud of him.
Tim is not an administrator. He is not a money man. And he is not an IT person. But in the last month he has worked his butt off to work out how to do all these things, so that the church plant can get off the ground.
He hasn't enjoyed it. He has been dreaming longingly of the time when he can leave that behind and put his time into ministry planning.
It's funny because Tim's one of those people who lots of things come easy to him. He is confident up the front, he is someone who loves preaching and teaching, and people naturally warm to him without him having to put in too much effort to win their affections. Ministry is never easy, but it's always come more naturally to him than to many of the rest of us.
Making websites, setting up bank-accounts, and understanding tax laws, does not come easy to him.
But it's been wonderful to see him working hard for God, because something is important, not because it's easy.
It's a challenge for me, because I am someone who hates being bad at anything. So much of the time I run to things I'm good at, congratulating myself on my abilities (which are God's gift anyway) and avoiding things that might make me look or feel bad because I am not as competent as others.
Tim's efforts these last few weeks have been a good reminder to do what is best for the kingdom, and not just what is easy.
love B
Friday, September 23, 2011
Things I'm loving right now
SPRING!
Spring is sprung the grass is ris, I wonder where the birdies is.
They say the bird is on the wing.
That's absurd, the wing is on the bird!
That is little saying my Dad has said for every Spring since I can remember. It's a bit strange, but I keep up the tradition, though usually only in my head.
I love spring! I love cherry blossoms and birds songs and early morning sunshine and weather in it's mid 20s and blue skies. And linked in with spring.
MY SANDAL THONGS
These are the same shape if not the same pattern as mine (mine are even nicer). I suspect it wasn't actually Gisele Bundchen who invented her range of sandal/thongs but whoever did, I want to make them a mango smoothie. They are comfy enough to walk decent distances in, and they are casual but they look lovely. And in the end of summer sales at Myer they cost only $20. Loving having them on again.
KNITTING!
I am loving knitting so much. Seriously, what a great way to somehow legitimise all the time I spend in front of the TV. I have knitted before but struggled with how long it takes, but now I've worked out the secret to knitting fast.
Using really big needles.
I've just made a woolen shrug which I absolutely love although I did leave my run to late and haven't been about to wear it in this gorgeous weather. I've also been knitting for a family member's baby and it turns out when the person you are knitting for is 10 times smaller than you, it takes a tenth of the time to make. And it turns out alot cuter too!
PRAYING with Friends
I just joined my 2nd Prayer triplet yesterday. They have different focuses and different people in them, and I love both of them. So great to be able to pray with others, particularly as it's been something I've been struggling a bit with on my own.
MY TEENAGE BIBLE STUDY
On Sunday one of the teens pouted and said "Why do you leave us, just when we learnt to love you?" I always loved them, but I've been really appreciating them all, as they have been appreciating Tim and I, because I know we have only a term left together. Some of the girls are getting Baptised in October, and I've been loving our weekly coffees/baptism classes :) So great to see those little year seven's we started with beginning to take their faith really seriously. So encouraging. Not to mention they are tonnes of fun!
I don't write this post about things I love because I'm going wonderfully or because there are only good things going on. That is not the case. It's been a hard month, and hard year.
But there are things that bring me joy, and I want to dwell on and celebrate them.
God is giving me good things every day.
Love B
Spring is sprung the grass is ris, I wonder where the birdies is.
They say the bird is on the wing.
That's absurd, the wing is on the bird!
That is little saying my Dad has said for every Spring since I can remember. It's a bit strange, but I keep up the tradition, though usually only in my head.
I love spring! I love cherry blossoms and birds songs and early morning sunshine and weather in it's mid 20s and blue skies. And linked in with spring.
MY SANDAL THONGS
KNITTING!
I am loving knitting so much. Seriously, what a great way to somehow legitimise all the time I spend in front of the TV. I have knitted before but struggled with how long it takes, but now I've worked out the secret to knitting fast.
Using really big needles.
I've just made a woolen shrug which I absolutely love although I did leave my run to late and haven't been about to wear it in this gorgeous weather. I've also been knitting for a family member's baby and it turns out when the person you are knitting for is 10 times smaller than you, it takes a tenth of the time to make. And it turns out alot cuter too!
PRAYING with Friends
I just joined my 2nd Prayer triplet yesterday. They have different focuses and different people in them, and I love both of them. So great to be able to pray with others, particularly as it's been something I've been struggling a bit with on my own.
MY TEENAGE BIBLE STUDY
On Sunday one of the teens pouted and said "Why do you leave us, just when we learnt to love you?" I always loved them, but I've been really appreciating them all, as they have been appreciating Tim and I, because I know we have only a term left together. Some of the girls are getting Baptised in October, and I've been loving our weekly coffees/baptism classes :) So great to see those little year seven's we started with beginning to take their faith really seriously. So encouraging. Not to mention they are tonnes of fun!
I don't write this post about things I love because I'm going wonderfully or because there are only good things going on. That is not the case. It's been a hard month, and hard year.
But there are things that bring me joy, and I want to dwell on and celebrate them.
God is giving me good things every day.
Love B
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Enevitable Change Funk
I've been in a funk of late.
Easily loosing it emotionally. Snappy and less sensitive with Tim. Less motivated with house chores/everything.
It was only today it hit me.
The change factor.
When I was about 3 months out of getting married, I fell apart. Tim was actually really worried, who was this crazy emotional women who had taken over from the lovely lady he proposed to! I still remember on a Sunday morning at that time, getting ready to clean the unit I was sharing with a friend. Mum came over. I burst into tears, she ripped the vacuum out of my hands, sat me on the couch, and did the vacuuming for me. What a Mum!
But the most valuable thing was that she commented that of course I was loosing it. I was about to go through a change. I always struggle in the lead up to a change. "Been like this since you were 4 years old" said Mum.
For her it was an "Of course" moment, but for me it was a huge break-through.
Change totally freaks me out emotionally and I need to be aware of that and be prepared for it.
Tim has taken this news on board, and done a fabulous job of talking me through and encouraging me through change. And today he gave me another breakthrough moment when he commented that of course I was emotional, I was getting ready for change.
As far as change goes- moving cities, church planting, and leaving one job to an unknown future is pretty high up there on the change-odometer.
One comment Tim often makes to comfort me through change is that I am actually a great hand at dealing with it. I've been through tonnes of changes in the last 7 years, and most of the changes have actually been good/positive ones, which I've dealt with well. Almost as if I put all the angst into the lead up and then cope fine at the change itself.
I've actually started to think maybe I am not such a change hater after all.
But this month, that same little 4 year old peaks out her ugly head and throws her usual change tantrum.
Please pray that I will cope okay over the next few months, and that the changes will be good.
Love B
Easily loosing it emotionally. Snappy and less sensitive with Tim. Less motivated with house chores/everything.
It was only today it hit me.
The change factor.
When I was about 3 months out of getting married, I fell apart. Tim was actually really worried, who was this crazy emotional women who had taken over from the lovely lady he proposed to! I still remember on a Sunday morning at that time, getting ready to clean the unit I was sharing with a friend. Mum came over. I burst into tears, she ripped the vacuum out of my hands, sat me on the couch, and did the vacuuming for me. What a Mum!
But the most valuable thing was that she commented that of course I was loosing it. I was about to go through a change. I always struggle in the lead up to a change. "Been like this since you were 4 years old" said Mum.
For her it was an "Of course" moment, but for me it was a huge break-through.
Change totally freaks me out emotionally and I need to be aware of that and be prepared for it.
Tim has taken this news on board, and done a fabulous job of talking me through and encouraging me through change. And today he gave me another breakthrough moment when he commented that of course I was emotional, I was getting ready for change.
As far as change goes- moving cities, church planting, and leaving one job to an unknown future is pretty high up there on the change-odometer.
One comment Tim often makes to comfort me through change is that I am actually a great hand at dealing with it. I've been through tonnes of changes in the last 7 years, and most of the changes have actually been good/positive ones, which I've dealt with well. Almost as if I put all the angst into the lead up and then cope fine at the change itself.
I've actually started to think maybe I am not such a change hater after all.
But this month, that same little 4 year old peaks out her ugly head and throws her usual change tantrum.
Please pray that I will cope okay over the next few months, and that the changes will be good.
Love B
Friday, September 2, 2011
Novel Spelling
Oh Dear...
After several weeks off I started back onto my novel. While working away, suddenly Microsoft Word gave me a pop-up box I had never seen before. It informed me that there were so many grammatical and spelling errors in my document that it could no longer show them all, but if I wanted to check my spelling or grammar I would from now on have to run my own manual check.
!!!!!!!
Has this ever happened to anyone else in the history of Microsoft word before!
I like to think it's because I've been so wonderful in actually writing 65,394 words, and that of course when a document gets big these things happen.
I like to think it's because I'm writing Fantasy so Microsoft doesn't recognise all the cool people and place names that I've brilliantly invented..
I'm hoping it's because I can't spell, and I've never been able to spell. I think spelling is a completely over-rated talent in this new world of wonderful spell correcting technology- and bad spelling doesn't make someone a bad writer.
But bad grammar does. I'm hoping it's not because I'm a really bad writer.
But it did make me laugh.
Love B
After several weeks off I started back onto my novel. While working away, suddenly Microsoft Word gave me a pop-up box I had never seen before. It informed me that there were so many grammatical and spelling errors in my document that it could no longer show them all, but if I wanted to check my spelling or grammar I would from now on have to run my own manual check.
!!!!!!!
Has this ever happened to anyone else in the history of Microsoft word before!
I like to think it's because I've been so wonderful in actually writing 65,394 words, and that of course when a document gets big these things happen.
I like to think it's because I'm writing Fantasy so Microsoft doesn't recognise all the cool people and place names that I've brilliantly invented..
I'm hoping it's because I can't spell, and I've never been able to spell. I think spelling is a completely over-rated talent in this new world of wonderful spell correcting technology- and bad spelling doesn't make someone a bad writer.
But bad grammar does. I'm hoping it's not because I'm a really bad writer.
But it did make me laugh.
Love B
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