Why do I do ministry?
I do ministry for Term 4
Ministry can be really hard. It can be such a term 1. Lots of admin, lots of organisation, lots of asking people to do this or that and have them say no and thinking "For once I wish I could say no- but I can't because I'm paid to do this". New relationship where you can't tell if people are shy or if they actually don't want to talk to you! All that careful planning and you still find yourself saying "Why didn't I do this task before the madness of the year began!"
But I do ministry for Term 4
Ministry can be really crazy. It can be such a Term 2. Seeing an event you were going to run sneaking up on the calender, and having to decide that its just not going to happen. Exhaustion as everyone Else's long weekend is your busy time. A whirl wind of emotions, as one week you see Teenagers get so excited about God, and the next week someone suggests that there is something wrong with the way you are leading Bible study. And all the prep for a big ministry event- with the fruit still along way off.
But I do Ministry for Term 4
Ministry can be really exhausting. It can be such a Term 3. And amazing week of Kids Club- but with no time to recover before it's back to work again. All the events that all ended up in the same month, despite your supposed careful planning of the church calendar. All the people who suddenly want to meet, learn, grow, find out about Jesus, who you are so excited about- and yet how do you fit them in? All the personal drama's that always seems to come up right on the day of a talk your giving, a Bible study your leading, or a kids talk you are doing. And all you can do is dry your eyes, pray like crazy, and do your job.
But I do Ministry for Term 4
Term 4! The relationships that after a year are deep enough so that people actually come to you to talk about things of God. The kids who go from seeming to get nothing from your teaching- to all of a suddenly showing they were listening all along. Parents who start to think that maybe taking kids to church is a priority. Women who shyly tell you they have started meeting with someone to read the Bible and they'd like some advice. People who become Christians. People who get Baptised. People who grow. People who change. Term 4 is where the rubber hits the road, when you SEE and don't just know- that no work you do for the Lord is ever in vain.
I write this because ministry is hard. It is sometimes a Term 1, 2, and 3 and at those times I forget the big picture. But Term 4 doesn't happen without the hard slog through the others.
And I do ministry for Term 4
B
Showing posts with label Children's Ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children's Ministry. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Teaching the Christmas story at playgroup
(This is actually a post I planned and took photos for last year and never got around to posting, but better late than never!)
The nature of our playgroup is that it is a group run for people in the community, and our prayer and hope is that it might lead parents and kids to develop an interest in God and Jesus. This means that times like Christmas and Easter are important- because they are very natural times for talking about such things.
The first year I ran playgroup I decided to do two weeks on the Christmas story with the kids. The first week I found a good story book and read it through. On the second week, when I got to a picture of the "nativity scene" I asked if any of the kids remembered who the characters in the story were. One boy yelled out "Santa" and another girl cried "The Wiggles". I realised then that perhaps with pre-schoolers I needed a few more weeks to get the story to stick :)
The follow year, and this year, I worked out a cool way to cover the Christmas story, assisted with some suggestion from the website kidzlink which has some great ideas which I stole and adapted for my situation and style.
The first thing I did was get a plastic plant we had at church and turned it into a Christmas tree!
The nature of our playgroup is that it is a group run for people in the community, and our prayer and hope is that it might lead parents and kids to develop an interest in God and Jesus. This means that times like Christmas and Easter are important- because they are very natural times for talking about such things.
The first year I ran playgroup I decided to do two weeks on the Christmas story with the kids. The first week I found a good story book and read it through. On the second week, when I got to a picture of the "nativity scene" I asked if any of the kids remembered who the characters in the story were. One boy yelled out "Santa" and another girl cried "The Wiggles". I realised then that perhaps with pre-schoolers I needed a few more weeks to get the story to stick :)
The follow year, and this year, I worked out a cool way to cover the Christmas story, assisted with some suggestion from the website kidzlink which has some great ideas which I stole and adapted for my situation and style.
The first thing I did was get a plastic plant we had at church and turned it into a Christmas tree!
Then I brought in my nativity scene which my sister bought me when she went to Israel. I like it because its really rustic, it's not very comercial, and in some ways it represents quite well I think the simplicity of the first Christmas.
Each week I choose part of the Christmas story to cover. Usually in the first week I do the Angel telling Mary and Joseph they are going to have Jesus, the second week they go to Bethlehem and have Jesus, the third week the shepherds and the fourth week the wise men.
I wrap up the pieces of the nativity scene which come up in that week. I don't have an angel in my set so I had to use this ornament :)
Once the pieces are wrapped, I place them underneither the Christmas tree
Each week I pick a few kids (making sure its not the same ones every week!) to unwrap the "presents" and then I use the figures to tell the story.
I love it, because it involves the kids, they don't just hear but they see and touch as well, and we have multiple weeks to go over the story. It also starts with things they associate with Christmas (presents and trees) and uses them to bring it back to the real reason behind the celebrations.
To keep emphasising it, I also show them the pictures from the Beginner's Bible, which I think does a great job of covering the Christmas story.
It is amazing how much more the kids take it. They love looking at and holding the Baby Jesus. And each week I get to say- "Christmas is actually all about Jesus"
And so far this year, we haven't had a single mention of the Wiggles. Thought the term is not over yet!
love B
Friday, July 15, 2011
Two terms of Playtime to Go!
We've hit the "5 months to go" mark in the previous week.
Quite extrodinary. Really, moving to Melbourne seems to get closer and closer every day ;)
But of course there is a lot of sadness, particularly when I think of saying goodbye to the kids and families I've been working with over the last three years.
I was thinking of some of the most memorable Playgroup kid moments (warning- some of these are repeats from other posts):
-Little Lisa, such a gorgeous little treasure! If she sees me sitting down will come up behind me and pretend to "cut" my hair. "It's too longer, it's too longer" she says, as she pretends to cut it with some fake sissors from the playgroup doctors kit. "Stay still" she says, if I move my head to much, in a very hairdressery voice.
-Little Hayley, after struggling to say my name for nearly a year, finally calls me "Aunty Bananna"
-Ren, who insisted for a while on "Playing Belinda" before meals, which meant saying the following "Dear God, thank you for friends and food. If you haven't paid for this term, please see me afterwards. Amen"
-Little Max, with his gorgeous big blue eyes. On the week of his birthday (when we did a cake for him) he said "I love you Belinda, you are the best Belinda ever". Another time he said to me "I like you Belinda" before saying quietly to himself "Beautiful Belinda".
-Oli and Matty- who like to play "Aunty Bawinda" at home, which basically means getting out their teddie bears and ordering them to sing and dance.
-Shy little Harper, who will quite often announce (after she has warmed up a bit) "Look I can hop". And so she does and soon she has the 7 or 8 other kids hoping around in front of me. So gorgeous.
-Nathaniel- whose Mum will suggest he gives me a hug. He will walk towards me, and as I drop down and open my arms, he will bolt in the other direction- laughing hesterically at his own little joke.
-Little Hanna, who spends all week singing playgroup songs at home. When she is tired and struggling to get out of bed her Mum says "maybe you are too tired for playgroup". She shakes her head and says "No, we have to go. Belinda is WAITING for me".
-And little Xavier, who at 6 months old always gives me the biggest grins whenever I smile at him.
So special to be involved in these moments :)
Belinda
Quite extrodinary. Really, moving to Melbourne seems to get closer and closer every day ;)
But of course there is a lot of sadness, particularly when I think of saying goodbye to the kids and families I've been working with over the last three years.
I was thinking of some of the most memorable Playgroup kid moments (warning- some of these are repeats from other posts):
-Little Lisa, such a gorgeous little treasure! If she sees me sitting down will come up behind me and pretend to "cut" my hair. "It's too longer, it's too longer" she says, as she pretends to cut it with some fake sissors from the playgroup doctors kit. "Stay still" she says, if I move my head to much, in a very hairdressery voice.
-Little Hayley, after struggling to say my name for nearly a year, finally calls me "Aunty Bananna"
-Ren, who insisted for a while on "Playing Belinda" before meals, which meant saying the following "Dear God, thank you for friends and food. If you haven't paid for this term, please see me afterwards. Amen"
-Little Max, with his gorgeous big blue eyes. On the week of his birthday (when we did a cake for him) he said "I love you Belinda, you are the best Belinda ever". Another time he said to me "I like you Belinda" before saying quietly to himself "Beautiful Belinda".
-Oli and Matty- who like to play "Aunty Bawinda" at home, which basically means getting out their teddie bears and ordering them to sing and dance.
-Shy little Harper, who will quite often announce (after she has warmed up a bit) "Look I can hop". And so she does and soon she has the 7 or 8 other kids hoping around in front of me. So gorgeous.
-Nathaniel- whose Mum will suggest he gives me a hug. He will walk towards me, and as I drop down and open my arms, he will bolt in the other direction- laughing hesterically at his own little joke.
-Little Hanna, who spends all week singing playgroup songs at home. When she is tired and struggling to get out of bed her Mum says "maybe you are too tired for playgroup". She shakes her head and says "No, we have to go. Belinda is WAITING for me".
-And little Xavier, who at 6 months old always gives me the biggest grins whenever I smile at him.
So special to be involved in these moments :)
Belinda
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Kids Club
There is something really special about working with a team to share the gospel. Kids Club this year has once again been a huge effort and lots of work. But I've been so encouraged.
I've been encouraged by our teens who are putting up their hands and doing a remarkable job of not just being helpers, but leaders. Having lead most of them for three years, and having got them "tagging" along when they were in year seven, it is great to see them in year 9 really taking initiative.
I've been encouraged by people who would never call themselves 'kid' people, who non-the-less volunteer and come along and make a real contribution. Even taking off work so they can help!
I've been encouraged by the servant hearted nature of everyone- who are so ready to stop and help a kid that's sad, or to drop everything and set up a game, or tidy a room.
And I've been encouraged by everyone's thoughtfulness. Today because I had said the day before I had a sore throat, one of the leaders made lemon and honey drinks for everyone in the morning. A lady in the kitchen bought ingredients and made wraps for every member of our team for lunch today, with no prompting- just out of the kindness of her spontaneous heart.
It can be scary leaving a ministry job, wondering how things will go without me. I need to keep remembering that God is in control and he is the one who provides and grows people.
But I'm also reminded that am leaving a committed group of Godly, fun, special people. The kids club is in some wonderful hands.
love B
I've been encouraged by our teens who are putting up their hands and doing a remarkable job of not just being helpers, but leaders. Having lead most of them for three years, and having got them "tagging" along when they were in year seven, it is great to see them in year 9 really taking initiative.
I've been encouraged by people who would never call themselves 'kid' people, who non-the-less volunteer and come along and make a real contribution. Even taking off work so they can help!
I've been encouraged by the servant hearted nature of everyone- who are so ready to stop and help a kid that's sad, or to drop everything and set up a game, or tidy a room.
And I've been encouraged by everyone's thoughtfulness. Today because I had said the day before I had a sore throat, one of the leaders made lemon and honey drinks for everyone in the morning. A lady in the kitchen bought ingredients and made wraps for every member of our team for lunch today, with no prompting- just out of the kindness of her spontaneous heart.
It can be scary leaving a ministry job, wondering how things will go without me. I need to keep remembering that God is in control and he is the one who provides and grows people.
But I'm also reminded that am leaving a committed group of Godly, fun, special people. The kids club is in some wonderful hands.
love B
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
A helpful Quote
One thing I did not expect in my experience of the miscarriage was how much it would affect my self-esteem and particularly my work. I am just so much more fragile and particularly so much more filled with worry about my own capabilities.
I found this quote from "The Reason for God" (a book I really should get around to reading!) and it really helped me put 'myself' into perspective.
"The Christian Gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. It undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone. I do not think more of myself nor less of myself. Instead, I think of myself less."
Tim Keller.
Love B
I found this quote from "The Reason for God" (a book I really should get around to reading!) and it really helped me put 'myself' into perspective.
"The Christian Gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. It undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone. I do not think more of myself nor less of myself. Instead, I think of myself less."
Tim Keller.
Love B
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The work year over
For the first time all year- I am staring at the possibility of having a to-do list actually completed.
Clean office
Send final email re summer supervision
Put together activity sheets for Christmas and Boxing Day services.
Then I'm off.
Reflections on this year at work.
Really tough.
And yet really wonderful.
I wouldn't say it has been the easiest working year of my life. I've just been overwhelmed with the tasks I've had to do. It's funny- for various reasons- our whole staff team has designated this year as the year of "Just getting by". All the grand plans of things we hoped to achieve were dumped around May- and just surviving the year with the day to day jobs has been enough of a triumph.
And yet, God has continued to work.
Term 4- the craziest term in the year- has also been the most amazing. My Playgroup friend Maggie has become a Christian. The kids at Youth group seem to really be growing. I have three women to follow up in the New year who really want to know more about Jesus. My Mum's Bible study group is filled with the most enthuastic women. And after a slow year on the Sunday School front- at the end of the year we have been innondated with new families and crazy numbers of kids!. For the first term ever- I didn't have any stresses in organising Sunday School leaders and one of the leaders commented that this term of teaching- rather than being the overload she had felt previously- had been a huge delight and had really grown her in the faith. And our Carols service was the best attended ever with heaps of visitors. I am so thankful to God for this term, and humbled that I had so little to do with it :)
As I close the chapter on the best term of the year- I get excited about the holidays and try not to think too much about term 1- the worst term of the year. It's always so difficult!
But for now I'm relishing the fact that the for the first time all year- my to do list is about to become empty.
love Belinda
Clean office
Send final email re summer supervision
Put together activity sheets for Christmas and Boxing Day services.
Then I'm off.
Reflections on this year at work.
Really tough.
And yet really wonderful.
I wouldn't say it has been the easiest working year of my life. I've just been overwhelmed with the tasks I've had to do. It's funny- for various reasons- our whole staff team has designated this year as the year of "Just getting by". All the grand plans of things we hoped to achieve were dumped around May- and just surviving the year with the day to day jobs has been enough of a triumph.
And yet, God has continued to work.
Term 4- the craziest term in the year- has also been the most amazing. My Playgroup friend Maggie has become a Christian. The kids at Youth group seem to really be growing. I have three women to follow up in the New year who really want to know more about Jesus. My Mum's Bible study group is filled with the most enthuastic women. And after a slow year on the Sunday School front- at the end of the year we have been innondated with new families and crazy numbers of kids!. For the first term ever- I didn't have any stresses in organising Sunday School leaders and one of the leaders commented that this term of teaching- rather than being the overload she had felt previously- had been a huge delight and had really grown her in the faith. And our Carols service was the best attended ever with heaps of visitors. I am so thankful to God for this term, and humbled that I had so little to do with it :)
As I close the chapter on the best term of the year- I get excited about the holidays and try not to think too much about term 1- the worst term of the year. It's always so difficult!
But for now I'm relishing the fact that the for the first time all year- my to do list is about to become empty.
love Belinda
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The packet of Tim-tams that never runs out...
"Wait- did that really happen?" said R in my scripture class today.
"Yes, it really did" I answered, "The Bible said so".
"Really?" R said, still looking sceptical
"that" was the widow that Elijah stayed with having her bowl of flour never run out, and her bottle of olive oil continuing to fill.
"Maybe Elijah snuck in at night and filled it" said K, one of the more disruptive boys in my class, who today was hanging off every word.
"That's not what the Bible says" I said smiling, "And besides, the whole point was that there was no food, for the widow or for Elijah. God provided".
It's funny what the kids can cope with. They can cope with Goliath being defeated by David. They can cope with Jesus stopping the storm. They could cope with Jesus rising from the dead. But a BC version of the packet of Tim-tams that never runs out- was just a bit too much.
"God made the world. He controls everything. He made the rules of how things work- he made Physics. So he can do anything he wants. Nothing is too hard for him" This was my attempt at answering.
I don't know if they got it. But when God sent fire down from Heaven- and burnt up Elijah's sacrifice- they loved it. And I think they even believed it.
love B
"Yes, it really did" I answered, "The Bible said so".
"Really?" R said, still looking sceptical
"that" was the widow that Elijah stayed with having her bowl of flour never run out, and her bottle of olive oil continuing to fill.
"Maybe Elijah snuck in at night and filled it" said K, one of the more disruptive boys in my class, who today was hanging off every word.
"That's not what the Bible says" I said smiling, "And besides, the whole point was that there was no food, for the widow or for Elijah. God provided".
It's funny what the kids can cope with. They can cope with Goliath being defeated by David. They can cope with Jesus stopping the storm. They could cope with Jesus rising from the dead. But a BC version of the packet of Tim-tams that never runs out- was just a bit too much.
"God made the world. He controls everything. He made the rules of how things work- he made Physics. So he can do anything he wants. Nothing is too hard for him" This was my attempt at answering.
I don't know if they got it. But when God sent fire down from Heaven- and burnt up Elijah's sacrifice- they loved it. And I think they even believed it.
love B
Saturday, September 18, 2010
10 things that make me happy
My friend Jean tagged me for a meme. Ten things that make me happy.
1. Sunsets
2. Cherry Blossoms
3. Dates with Tim
4. Sharing Jesus with people who don't know him
5. The kids at church, and particularly being called "Aunty Belinda" (or Blinda, or Binda, or Bananna or whatever version they say!)
6. Praying and reading God's word and seeing it change people's lives :)
7. Nights of chatting with friends that slip into the early hours of the morning, because you are having so much fun.
8. Playing silly games with my Grant family
9. Telling old stories with my Clarke family
10. Walking on the beach
Tough stopping at ten. Praise God for so much joy potential in my life!
love B
1. Sunsets
2. Cherry Blossoms
3. Dates with Tim
4. Sharing Jesus with people who don't know him
5. The kids at church, and particularly being called "Aunty Belinda" (or Blinda, or Binda, or Bananna or whatever version they say!)
6. Praying and reading God's word and seeing it change people's lives :)
7. Nights of chatting with friends that slip into the early hours of the morning, because you are having so much fun.
8. Playing silly games with my Grant family
9. Telling old stories with my Clarke family
10. Walking on the beach
Tough stopping at ten. Praise God for so much joy potential in my life!
love B
Friday, August 27, 2010
Worst that can happen...
Conversation between me and Tim while we stroll through the Markets near our home.
Me: "I'm looking forward to this week of Sunday School being over(the kids are normally divided up and Tim and I take the youth but this week I am running things with the youths help). I had another nightmare about it last night. I'm so stressed about it and I don't know why."
Tim: "I don't know why you are stressed either. It's going to be fine. What is the worst that can happen?"
Me: (smiles) "I guess your right, the worst thing would be if I didn't turn up to teach it, and even then it would be okay"
Tim: (pause) "One of the Kids could die. That would be bad."
Me: "That would be bad. But the worst would be if they died because I accidently dropped something on their head. (pause again). Actually, it would probably be worst if I actually deliberately killed them out of rage. That would be the worst thing. And that would be bad"
As we walked on, I felt better, confident that though the worst thing that could happen tomorrow would indeed be terribly bad- it was not particularly likely.
love B
Me: "I'm looking forward to this week of Sunday School being over(the kids are normally divided up and Tim and I take the youth but this week I am running things with the youths help). I had another nightmare about it last night. I'm so stressed about it and I don't know why."
Tim: "I don't know why you are stressed either. It's going to be fine. What is the worst that can happen?"
Me: (smiles) "I guess your right, the worst thing would be if I didn't turn up to teach it, and even then it would be okay"
Tim: (pause) "One of the Kids could die. That would be bad."
Me: "That would be bad. But the worst would be if they died because I accidently dropped something on their head. (pause again). Actually, it would probably be worst if I actually deliberately killed them out of rage. That would be the worst thing. And that would be bad"
As we walked on, I felt better, confident that though the worst thing that could happen tomorrow would indeed be terribly bad- it was not particularly likely.
love B
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Update and prayer points
It's been an interesting month.
I have been very weary- but not because I haven't been sleeping or because I haven't had time off. I have.
I'm just worn out.
It is amazing how easily discouraged I get. I find myself feeling like I am not doing a very good job at my job. I know that these feelings are not based on reality, and I know that other people don't feel this way- but I find it so easy to blame on myself when things don't get done or when things don't turn out like I prayed. The discouragement is part of the weariness- and a great opportunity to think hard about how I view my work. Because if I feel pride or self-loathing about the way I do things- the problem is that I am too focused on myself and not the God who I am serving. So I am praying that God will help me to see him in everything and not me.
I am also missing Melbourne and feeling very removed from family and friends. I find myself crying every time I see the My Dog add because the dog looks so much like my parent's in-law's little Pippin! It's not about Pippin (although I do miss him)- its about everything he represents. Home. Welcome. Love. Acceptance.
God is still encouraging me in many ways- most particularly through his Word and through Tim's ever present humour and encouragement. I am growing, changing.
But I am so tired.
Please pray for refreshment and peace.
love B
I have been very weary- but not because I haven't been sleeping or because I haven't had time off. I have.
I'm just worn out.
It is amazing how easily discouraged I get. I find myself feeling like I am not doing a very good job at my job. I know that these feelings are not based on reality, and I know that other people don't feel this way- but I find it so easy to blame on myself when things don't get done or when things don't turn out like I prayed. The discouragement is part of the weariness- and a great opportunity to think hard about how I view my work. Because if I feel pride or self-loathing about the way I do things- the problem is that I am too focused on myself and not the God who I am serving. So I am praying that God will help me to see him in everything and not me.
I am also missing Melbourne and feeling very removed from family and friends. I find myself crying every time I see the My Dog add because the dog looks so much like my parent's in-law's little Pippin! It's not about Pippin (although I do miss him)- its about everything he represents. Home. Welcome. Love. Acceptance.
God is still encouraging me in many ways- most particularly through his Word and through Tim's ever present humour and encouragement. I am growing, changing.
But I am so tired.
Please pray for refreshment and peace.
love B
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Reflections from Kids Club Day 2
Today was Kids Club, day 2.
It's been going really well.
Everything has been so well done, and the children seem to be having an awesome time. They really seem to be getting into the story, and really understanding what we are trying to teach them. My hunch is its going to be the best Kids club I've ever been involved in- and I've been involved in at least 15 in my life!
So much of the time in ministry you feel like you are pushing, pushing, pushing people to be enthusiastic about ministry.
Sometimes you tear your hair out about people not doing their share of the work.
Sometimes in ministry you spend weeks and months leading up to an event like kids club, doing the admin that you hate and thinking- this is so hard!
And then sometimes- you sit back and watch incredibly gifted, godly people, who work their butts of to serve Jesus and the precious children he loves so much. And you see God doing amazing things in the lives and kids.
And you think to yourself. Oh right. That's why I do this job again.
love B
It's been going really well.
Everything has been so well done, and the children seem to be having an awesome time. They really seem to be getting into the story, and really understanding what we are trying to teach them. My hunch is its going to be the best Kids club I've ever been involved in- and I've been involved in at least 15 in my life!
So much of the time in ministry you feel like you are pushing, pushing, pushing people to be enthusiastic about ministry.
Sometimes you tear your hair out about people not doing their share of the work.
Sometimes in ministry you spend weeks and months leading up to an event like kids club, doing the admin that you hate and thinking- this is so hard!
And then sometimes- you sit back and watch incredibly gifted, godly people, who work their butts of to serve Jesus and the precious children he loves so much. And you see God doing amazing things in the lives and kids.
And you think to yourself. Oh right. That's why I do this job again.
love B
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The fog lifts
It started with the Roses. It always does.
I didn't realise it at the time. But as I walked towards the office I looked up and there they were. The Roses. Bobbing away in the breeze, under a sky which had been blue for days. They were always there. But on Wednesday, I saw them. I hadn't seen them for weeks.
It wasn't what I would call an easy morning. There was lots to do, and lots of conversations to be had. My throat was tired and after singing and story telling and entertaining I was ready for a nap, not for work. But I grabbed myself some lunch and sat down at my desk.
I sat at my computer for around 30 minutes. Not working. I can't do this. I just can't do this. I thought to myself. Not just that I can't do the work that I knew needed to get done. I meant I can't do this job. I'm no good at it. It's too hard. I can't do this and life and everything else. I can't do this.
Just one email. I told myself. Send one email and then you will feel better.
So I sent one. And then I sent another. And then I opened up a document and starting listening what we would do at the Kids Club training day.
That actually sounds pretty good I thought to myself.
I kept working. I thought about Kids Club and all the great things that would happen. I thought about Scripture and Bible study. It was good. It was work. But it was good. And I was too busy doing it to tell myself that I couldn't.
Even then I didn't know.
It was this morning. The roses aren't the only sign for me. As I went for my walk I started singing. Singing in my head. Lolling along Glebe Point Road singing a song in my head. I had sung, I had listened to songs, I had even had them stuck in my head. But not this "I'm happy so I will sing" that I found myself in for the first time in weeks.
That's when I realised.
The fog had lifted.
When your feeling depressed and you loose your confidence, you don't always know what's going on. You know that it's happening, but you don't see the way that it creeps into every aspect of your life and colours it grey.
But when the fog goes away, when God in his kindness and wisdom helps you think true helpful thoughts and not negative lies.
The sky clears.
And you see the roses.
love B
I didn't realise it at the time. But as I walked towards the office I looked up and there they were. The Roses. Bobbing away in the breeze, under a sky which had been blue for days. They were always there. But on Wednesday, I saw them. I hadn't seen them for weeks.
It wasn't what I would call an easy morning. There was lots to do, and lots of conversations to be had. My throat was tired and after singing and story telling and entertaining I was ready for a nap, not for work. But I grabbed myself some lunch and sat down at my desk.
I sat at my computer for around 30 minutes. Not working. I can't do this. I just can't do this. I thought to myself. Not just that I can't do the work that I knew needed to get done. I meant I can't do this job. I'm no good at it. It's too hard. I can't do this and life and everything else. I can't do this.
Just one email. I told myself. Send one email and then you will feel better.
So I sent one. And then I sent another. And then I opened up a document and starting listening what we would do at the Kids Club training day.
That actually sounds pretty good I thought to myself.
I kept working. I thought about Kids Club and all the great things that would happen. I thought about Scripture and Bible study. It was good. It was work. But it was good. And I was too busy doing it to tell myself that I couldn't.
Even then I didn't know.
It was this morning. The roses aren't the only sign for me. As I went for my walk I started singing. Singing in my head. Lolling along Glebe Point Road singing a song in my head. I had sung, I had listened to songs, I had even had them stuck in my head. But not this "I'm happy so I will sing" that I found myself in for the first time in weeks.
That's when I realised.
The fog had lifted.
When your feeling depressed and you loose your confidence, you don't always know what's going on. You know that it's happening, but you don't see the way that it creeps into every aspect of your life and colours it grey.
But when the fog goes away, when God in his kindness and wisdom helps you think true helpful thoughts and not negative lies.
The sky clears.
And you see the roses.
love B
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
30 years worth of thankyous!
On Kyck we were challenged to not be people who were focused on gaining things that don't last (money, fame, things etc), but to be people who thanked God for the good gifts he gives us.
So, to celebrate my birthday- I thought I would thank God for things that he has given me over the years of my life.
Year 0-Thanks God for giving me life!
Year 1- Thanks God for giving me awesome parents who told me of you and loved me so kindly and wisely
Year 2- Thanks for my sister!
Year 3-Thanks for the Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles and Cousins who bring such joy
Year 4- Thanks for the house I grew up in, particularly the huge backyard where I could run around, dream, make up stories, and talk to you
Year 5- Thanks for primary school- for the things you taught me and the lessons I learnt about life and the world you created
Year 6- Thanks for my Grandparents farm- a place where I experienced so much joy.
Year 7- Thanks for St Mary's and St Paul's where I had such fun at church and where I learnt so many amazing things about you and your son.
Year 8-Thanks for the imagination that you gave me, and the many fun years (still continuing) of making up stories
Year 9-Thanks for friends you gave me
Year 10-Thanks for the time you gave me in the states- the beautiful world of Madison that you decided in your Divine plan to share with me
Year 11-Thanks for the experience of living in another country- and the love you gave me starting then for people who are from countries other than Australia
Year 12- Thanks for the church I went to in America- particularly my Sunday School teacher Laura who helped me understand what it means that we are all sinners
Year 13- Thanks for High school. Even though it was a hard 6 years, I learnt so much and I grew so much and I am thankful for how you used it to shape me into the person that I am.
Year 14- Thanks for Youth Group- for the leaders, for the opportunities for ministry, for all the fun times, and for the friends.
Year 15- Thanks for Jesus! (That is relevant for every year- but I might as well stick it here, and 15 was a hard year and knowing that Jesus died for me was something that helped get me through it)
Year 16-Thanks for letting me go overseas to Europe. You have blessed me with so many special experiences and I am grateful.
Year 17- Thanks for Beach Mission! It was such a key time in my walk with you, the friends I made are so precious, and it was there that I realised I wanted to spend the rest of my life telling people about Jesus. What a blessing!
Year 18-Thanks for giving me a love of learning.
Year 19-Thanks for Uni. Thanks for that fun crazy time. Thanks particularly for the Christian Union I was apart of- for the fun, the friendships, and the Bible teaching and training which has made such a difference to my Christian life and service.
Year 20-Thanks for my friend Fi- thanks for the way you have used her over the years to be such a source of encouragement and fun!
Year 21-Thanks for teaching me that I should find my self-worth in you and not in other people (still learning that one- but 21 was a key year)
Year 22-Thanks for giving me jobs- allowing me to earn money. Thanks for the growing up that took place and the lessons I learnt.
Year 23-Thanks for introducing me to the most amazing man in the world. Thanks that (after a while!) he decided to ask me out. Thanks that despite my worries over the previous 22 years that you had it all figured out!
Year 24-Thanks for my marriage to Tim. Thanks that despite the fact that we are both sinners, that you have used us to grow each other. Thanks for all those amazing fun times.
Year 25-Thanks for the chance to do an apprenticeship at RMIT. It was just amazing to have people donate money so that I could spend my time reading the Bible with Uni-students and encouraging them in their faith. Thanks for the blessing of being trained by the gifted and godly Steve and Heather. I grew so much.
Year 26- Thanks for Scots Church- for all the things we learnt and the dear friends we made. It is such a blessing even now when we are far away that we have such caring lovely "couple friends" who welcome us back as if we never left.
Year 27-Thanks for Bible College. I still can't believe I got that one precious year of studying your word. Thanks for that unexpected Gift.
Year 28-Thanks for Chatswood Baptist and particularly the chance of getting to work there. Only you could work things out so well! Thanks for Children's ministry and making it fun as well as challenging
Year 29-Thanks for the way that despite hard things and trials and time away from family, that you have held me tight to you, and grown me in my faith.
Year 30
Plenty of things I could say- but as it's only been 11 and half hours (or less than an hour depending if you are going via the actual time of birth), I won't dwell on them ;)
But even though I don't know what this year holds- I know that it is in the hands of a creator who loves me.
Thanks God for being in control of my life.
I love you.
Amen
B
So, to celebrate my birthday- I thought I would thank God for things that he has given me over the years of my life.
Year 0-Thanks God for giving me life!
Year 1- Thanks God for giving me awesome parents who told me of you and loved me so kindly and wisely
Year 2- Thanks for my sister!
Year 3-Thanks for the Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles and Cousins who bring such joy
Year 4- Thanks for the house I grew up in, particularly the huge backyard where I could run around, dream, make up stories, and talk to you
Year 5- Thanks for primary school- for the things you taught me and the lessons I learnt about life and the world you created
Year 6- Thanks for my Grandparents farm- a place where I experienced so much joy.
Year 7- Thanks for St Mary's and St Paul's where I had such fun at church and where I learnt so many amazing things about you and your son.
Year 8-Thanks for the imagination that you gave me, and the many fun years (still continuing) of making up stories
Year 9-Thanks for friends you gave me
Year 10-Thanks for the time you gave me in the states- the beautiful world of Madison that you decided in your Divine plan to share with me
Year 11-Thanks for the experience of living in another country- and the love you gave me starting then for people who are from countries other than Australia
Year 12- Thanks for the church I went to in America- particularly my Sunday School teacher Laura who helped me understand what it means that we are all sinners
Year 13- Thanks for High school. Even though it was a hard 6 years, I learnt so much and I grew so much and I am thankful for how you used it to shape me into the person that I am.
Year 14- Thanks for Youth Group- for the leaders, for the opportunities for ministry, for all the fun times, and for the friends.
Year 15- Thanks for Jesus! (That is relevant for every year- but I might as well stick it here, and 15 was a hard year and knowing that Jesus died for me was something that helped get me through it)
Year 16-Thanks for letting me go overseas to Europe. You have blessed me with so many special experiences and I am grateful.
Year 17- Thanks for Beach Mission! It was such a key time in my walk with you, the friends I made are so precious, and it was there that I realised I wanted to spend the rest of my life telling people about Jesus. What a blessing!
Year 18-Thanks for giving me a love of learning.
Year 19-Thanks for Uni. Thanks for that fun crazy time. Thanks particularly for the Christian Union I was apart of- for the fun, the friendships, and the Bible teaching and training which has made such a difference to my Christian life and service.
Year 20-Thanks for my friend Fi- thanks for the way you have used her over the years to be such a source of encouragement and fun!
Year 21-Thanks for teaching me that I should find my self-worth in you and not in other people (still learning that one- but 21 was a key year)
Year 22-Thanks for giving me jobs- allowing me to earn money. Thanks for the growing up that took place and the lessons I learnt.
Year 23-Thanks for introducing me to the most amazing man in the world. Thanks that (after a while!) he decided to ask me out. Thanks that despite my worries over the previous 22 years that you had it all figured out!
Year 24-Thanks for my marriage to Tim. Thanks that despite the fact that we are both sinners, that you have used us to grow each other. Thanks for all those amazing fun times.
Year 25-Thanks for the chance to do an apprenticeship at RMIT. It was just amazing to have people donate money so that I could spend my time reading the Bible with Uni-students and encouraging them in their faith. Thanks for the blessing of being trained by the gifted and godly Steve and Heather. I grew so much.
Year 26- Thanks for Scots Church- for all the things we learnt and the dear friends we made. It is such a blessing even now when we are far away that we have such caring lovely "couple friends" who welcome us back as if we never left.
Year 27-Thanks for Bible College. I still can't believe I got that one precious year of studying your word. Thanks for that unexpected Gift.
Year 28-Thanks for Chatswood Baptist and particularly the chance of getting to work there. Only you could work things out so well! Thanks for Children's ministry and making it fun as well as challenging
Year 29-Thanks for the way that despite hard things and trials and time away from family, that you have held me tight to you, and grown me in my faith.
Year 30
Plenty of things I could say- but as it's only been 11 and half hours (or less than an hour depending if you are going via the actual time of birth), I won't dwell on them ;)
But even though I don't know what this year holds- I know that it is in the hands of a creator who loves me.
Thanks God for being in control of my life.
I love you.
Amen
B
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Random Observations of this week
This week I did a kids talk for Easter, and as part of it we had a Humpty Dumpty Egg "Fall" off a wall and smash on the ground. One of the toddlers burst into tears. We couldn't work out if he was sad because Humpty "died", if he was just in shock, or if he was upset because he wasn't allowed to eat it!
I've been really admiring the various families around me at church and the hard work they put into teaching their kids about Jesus. Easter really makes it hit home- as parents think of creative ways of helping the kids understand the story. And our Sunday School teachers are also doing a fabulous job. I'm so impressed by how well even the little kids are doing at remembers that Easter is about Jesus and not chocolate! One of the kids was showing me the "resurrection" eggs they had used in the 3-5 yo class.
I pointed to the picture of the tomb.
"What's that".
"That's where they put Jesus"
"Then what happened"
"He came back to life on the three day!"
Today I went to a funeral of a man from church. The talk was based around the verse in Psalm 90 "Teach us to number our days aright, so we might grow in wisdom". For the first time in my life- I felt that death was not that far away. Even if I live another 50 odd years- that is nothing in terms of eternity. Time is short. I really want to make it count.
One of the women I spoke to at the funeral said to me afterwards "When I was a little girl, I was so scared of death. Now I see it as not a bad thing at all. I'm not afraid. I have hope."
I've never seen such a stoic, content widow at a funeral before. And not because he wasn't dear to her, and not because she wouldn't miss him. She was just so happy that he was out of pain and with Jesus.
Death was on my mind alot this week. But so was the Resurrection. And hope.
love B
I've been really admiring the various families around me at church and the hard work they put into teaching their kids about Jesus. Easter really makes it hit home- as parents think of creative ways of helping the kids understand the story. And our Sunday School teachers are also doing a fabulous job. I'm so impressed by how well even the little kids are doing at remembers that Easter is about Jesus and not chocolate! One of the kids was showing me the "resurrection" eggs they had used in the 3-5 yo class.
I pointed to the picture of the tomb.
"What's that".
"That's where they put Jesus"
"Then what happened"
"He came back to life on the three day!"
Today I went to a funeral of a man from church. The talk was based around the verse in Psalm 90 "Teach us to number our days aright, so we might grow in wisdom". For the first time in my life- I felt that death was not that far away. Even if I live another 50 odd years- that is nothing in terms of eternity. Time is short. I really want to make it count.
One of the women I spoke to at the funeral said to me afterwards "When I was a little girl, I was so scared of death. Now I see it as not a bad thing at all. I'm not afraid. I have hope."
I've never seen such a stoic, content widow at a funeral before. And not because he wasn't dear to her, and not because she wouldn't miss him. She was just so happy that he was out of pain and with Jesus.
Death was on my mind alot this week. But so was the Resurrection. And hope.
love B
Monday, March 29, 2010
My name
It turns out- despite my initial thoughts to the contrary- that Belinda is actually quite a tricky name to say and spell.
This is particularly true for those who did not live in Australia during the names hay-day years of 1978-1982.
A man at Gloria Jeans asked me my name, looked puzzled and then asked how to spell it. My friend Bek and I laughed when up on the screen poped "Berinda".
I went through the first six months of mainly music with a name tag reading Blinda.
And most of the time I need to correct, as people assume I've said Linda, Melinda, or even Brenda.
But my favourite so far happened today. Little Hayley is told every week to say "Bye Auntie Belinda" at the end of playgroup.
This week, without prompting, she tried it.
"Bye bye Auntie Banana!"
love B
This is particularly true for those who did not live in Australia during the names hay-day years of 1978-1982.
A man at Gloria Jeans asked me my name, looked puzzled and then asked how to spell it. My friend Bek and I laughed when up on the screen poped "Berinda".
I went through the first six months of mainly music with a name tag reading Blinda.
And most of the time I need to correct, as people assume I've said Linda, Melinda, or even Brenda.
But my favourite so far happened today. Little Hayley is told every week to say "Bye Auntie Belinda" at the end of playgroup.
This week, without prompting, she tried it.
"Bye bye Auntie Banana!"
love B
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Reflection on the term that's been
Technically the term is not over yet- I still have two playgroups, several meetings, a Bible study and a scripture Easter lesson to go!
But I've spent much of the weekend thinking about the term that's been and I thought I'd share a little (don't worry, not everything!) of what's been coming up.
As I approached this year i was excited. For the first time in many years, with the exception of moving house- I was hitting a year without major changes. I normally hate change, and so I thought that it was going to be an easy year start.
It wasn't.
For a start, my job ramped up a notch. Normally when I tell people that I work 4 days a week Tim pipes up with the quip "No, you work full-time, your just paid four days". I normally disagree, but I've had to confess that this year- due to some ministry commitments that I have somewhat willingly taken on- it is definitely heading to at the least 4.5 days, some weeks 5.
Plus, to my complete shock, the fact that there wasn't any changes was hard.
So many people in my life are going to changes. Good changes. Exciting new jobs, changes to their families, whatever it might be. And in many ways I was feeling like i was being left behind- like my life and my world were stagnant. Envy- the sin monster who is my most violent of foes- reared up more overwhelming than ever.
It's been a hard term.
But I've been learning alot.
Unsurprisingly I suppose- the hard things have been nosing me toward God, and I've actually seen my trust in God grow. My huge fears about the future and what we might be doing are still there, but they now stand along side a strange new feeling, a sense that maybe uncertainty and suffering are okay- if they are for Jesus.
And I've rediscovered in the last 4 weeks a love for my job.
As term began I knew I was leading a Bible study- and I knew I didn't have time for it. I felt a bit resentful that once again something had fallen to me to do- because there was no one else. My feelings where not helped when the first week for various good reasons- no one came. I sat in the room where the Bible study was suppose to be and managed just to hold in my tears.
The next week Bible study happened. And it was wonderful!
I forgot how much I loved leading Bible study. I forgot how special it is to sit down with other Christian women and see what God has to say to us. In my frustration at the situation I forgot the privileged that it is to serve.
So those are some of the things that have been going on. I am very tired and weary, and looking forward to the holidays so I can stop, and work four days for a change :)
So tired in fact, that I can't think of a good end to this post. So...
love B
But I've spent much of the weekend thinking about the term that's been and I thought I'd share a little (don't worry, not everything!) of what's been coming up.
As I approached this year i was excited. For the first time in many years, with the exception of moving house- I was hitting a year without major changes. I normally hate change, and so I thought that it was going to be an easy year start.
It wasn't.
For a start, my job ramped up a notch. Normally when I tell people that I work 4 days a week Tim pipes up with the quip "No, you work full-time, your just paid four days". I normally disagree, but I've had to confess that this year- due to some ministry commitments that I have somewhat willingly taken on- it is definitely heading to at the least 4.5 days, some weeks 5.
Plus, to my complete shock, the fact that there wasn't any changes was hard.
So many people in my life are going to changes. Good changes. Exciting new jobs, changes to their families, whatever it might be. And in many ways I was feeling like i was being left behind- like my life and my world were stagnant. Envy- the sin monster who is my most violent of foes- reared up more overwhelming than ever.
It's been a hard term.
But I've been learning alot.
Unsurprisingly I suppose- the hard things have been nosing me toward God, and I've actually seen my trust in God grow. My huge fears about the future and what we might be doing are still there, but they now stand along side a strange new feeling, a sense that maybe uncertainty and suffering are okay- if they are for Jesus.
And I've rediscovered in the last 4 weeks a love for my job.
As term began I knew I was leading a Bible study- and I knew I didn't have time for it. I felt a bit resentful that once again something had fallen to me to do- because there was no one else. My feelings where not helped when the first week for various good reasons- no one came. I sat in the room where the Bible study was suppose to be and managed just to hold in my tears.
The next week Bible study happened. And it was wonderful!
I forgot how much I loved leading Bible study. I forgot how special it is to sit down with other Christian women and see what God has to say to us. In my frustration at the situation I forgot the privileged that it is to serve.
So those are some of the things that have been going on. I am very tired and weary, and looking forward to the holidays so I can stop, and work four days for a change :)
So tired in fact, that I can't think of a good end to this post. So...
love B
Friday, March 26, 2010
Sans Tim
Some reflections of my week sans-Tim.
-It was great to have heaps of time with people this week. I am an extrovert extraordinaire who has her people time partially curtailed by a slightly less extroverted husband. But without Tim I knew I'd go crazy being alone so I had lots of catch ups and it was wonderful. Though I have to say it was weird to get to the end of the day and not be able to tell Tim all about it! It made me appreciate again all the interesting, unique and absolutely lovely people I have in my life. Seriously- do other people have such crazy, wonderful friends too?
-I'm not good at being alone in my house without a book, the TV or the Internet to occupy me. It is actually quite a sad state of affairs. Ironically I lead a Bible study which involved prayer on Thursday and we talked about how hard it was to prioritise it- so I practice what I preached and instead of turning on the TV or opening a book over dinner I talked to God.
-Christian books are great. Actually- I realised this just before Tim went away- as I found myself enjoying the books I was reading to prepare for some Revelation studies I'm leading with our youth. But it was after he left that I decided that reading a bit of a Christian book before bed each night would be fun, and so far it's proven right!
-I feel more godly when I don't have someone there to sin against. I don't think I AM more godly when Tim is away- its just that selfishness is less evident when it's only you seeing it!
-God was soooo good. Almost (almost) without exception I had a fantastic, fun, encouraging ministry week. I didn't come home once needing to "debrief" or "refresh" after a difficult conversation or situation. This was a direct answer to my prayer of "Dear God, please make it a week where I don't come home discouraged or upset and then have no one to comfort me".
-I think God did help make me more resilient, which is good because with a life of ministry ahead of us I'm sure this won't be the last time we spent more than a week apart.
It was a great week. But I missed Tim even more than I thought I would and it was so great to stop by and see him today. Probably the best thing to come out of this week was just realising just how special Tim is and the richness, fun and wisdom he brings into my life.
All in all lots to be thankful for.
love B
-It was great to have heaps of time with people this week. I am an extrovert extraordinaire who has her people time partially curtailed by a slightly less extroverted husband. But without Tim I knew I'd go crazy being alone so I had lots of catch ups and it was wonderful. Though I have to say it was weird to get to the end of the day and not be able to tell Tim all about it! It made me appreciate again all the interesting, unique and absolutely lovely people I have in my life. Seriously- do other people have such crazy, wonderful friends too?
-I'm not good at being alone in my house without a book, the TV or the Internet to occupy me. It is actually quite a sad state of affairs. Ironically I lead a Bible study which involved prayer on Thursday and we talked about how hard it was to prioritise it- so I practice what I preached and instead of turning on the TV or opening a book over dinner I talked to God.
-Christian books are great. Actually- I realised this just before Tim went away- as I found myself enjoying the books I was reading to prepare for some Revelation studies I'm leading with our youth. But it was after he left that I decided that reading a bit of a Christian book before bed each night would be fun, and so far it's proven right!
-I feel more godly when I don't have someone there to sin against. I don't think I AM more godly when Tim is away- its just that selfishness is less evident when it's only you seeing it!
-God was soooo good. Almost (almost) without exception I had a fantastic, fun, encouraging ministry week. I didn't come home once needing to "debrief" or "refresh" after a difficult conversation or situation. This was a direct answer to my prayer of "Dear God, please make it a week where I don't come home discouraged or upset and then have no one to comfort me".
-I think God did help make me more resilient, which is good because with a life of ministry ahead of us I'm sure this won't be the last time we spent more than a week apart.
It was a great week. But I missed Tim even more than I thought I would and it was so great to stop by and see him today. Probably the best thing to come out of this week was just realising just how special Tim is and the richness, fun and wisdom he brings into my life.
All in all lots to be thankful for.
love B
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Typical Monday
It's Monday 2:30pm.
I haven't yet gone for my walk
I still don't know if the people I invited to dinner are coming
I still haven't thought about dinner, which means i haven't given Tim the shopping list, which means he hasn't gone shopping yet.
I still haven't got the house clean enough for when people do come.
I still haven't started unpacking boxes so I can find the little book I need for Playgroup tomorrow.
I still haven't seen my friend who I was going to visit this Arvo. Now that I think about it- I still haven't text to see if she is still free to catch up anyway.
It's Monday and I'm recovering from a big Sunday.
Sometimes I feel lazy that I get so little done on Monday.
Except on Mondays. I'm too exhausted to think about it.
I'm so glad I'm still working only 4 days a week!
love B
I haven't yet gone for my walk
I still don't know if the people I invited to dinner are coming
I still haven't thought about dinner, which means i haven't given Tim the shopping list, which means he hasn't gone shopping yet.
I still haven't got the house clean enough for when people do come.
I still haven't started unpacking boxes so I can find the little book I need for Playgroup tomorrow.
I still haven't seen my friend who I was going to visit this Arvo. Now that I think about it- I still haven't text to see if she is still free to catch up anyway.
It's Monday and I'm recovering from a big Sunday.
Sometimes I feel lazy that I get so little done on Monday.
Except on Mondays. I'm too exhausted to think about it.
I'm so glad I'm still working only 4 days a week!
love B
Friday, January 29, 2010
Work, weddings, and 5 years
This week, as well as being a hard week, has been a very exciting week!
It was a hard week because I started work, and though sometimes I love my work, I DO NOT like the first few weeks of the year. I'm partially writing this so that next year I will remember and be prepared.
Do you want to know a secret? The first 2 weeks of doing my job I was actually really depressed because I kept thinking "I can't believe I've signed up for a job that I find so hard. How am I going to survive this year?"
But then I got to the 3rd week, and it all started to come together.
The truth is that I am not a desk job/organising the masses kind of person- but that is one aspect of my job. And I can bear it when I also get to spend times with Women and Kids and teach the Bible. But on the weeks when all I do is sit at a computer trying to organise materials and teams of people I get very depressed and very stressed. So while I feel overwhelmed that this time next week everything will be up and running- I am also relieved at the thought.
It was an exciting week because of weddings!
As previously started, my friend Fi is getting married. It's been fun chatting about it, fun thinking about it. I get to be a bridesmaid which I am very excited about (and honoured). I have friends who have been bridesmaids a few times and so things like dress shopping and hens night and hairstyles are just things that don't excite them. But having only been a bridesmaid once when I was in year 8 (for my Auntie Clare)- this stuff is very, very exciting for me. And even more, it will be so precious to get to be so involved in such a special day- and to assist her and encourage her as she prepares for this new stage of life as a wife. Dresses and flowers are all very well, but to be able to pray with her on the morning of her wedding is I suspect going to be the most special thing.
And- it was an exciting week because yesterday Tim and I were married 5 years. I am very thankful to God for the way he has sustained us through this time (not to mention for all the fun we have had along the way:) ). One thing we did yesterday was go through all the ways that we thought each other had grown in the years of marriage. It was encouraging to know that in Tim's eyes I was a better wife now than when we married and vise-versea!
Anyway, that's my week (trying to think up a more exciting end to this post but can't be bothered!)
love B
It was a hard week because I started work, and though sometimes I love my work, I DO NOT like the first few weeks of the year. I'm partially writing this so that next year I will remember and be prepared.
Do you want to know a secret? The first 2 weeks of doing my job I was actually really depressed because I kept thinking "I can't believe I've signed up for a job that I find so hard. How am I going to survive this year?"
But then I got to the 3rd week, and it all started to come together.
The truth is that I am not a desk job/organising the masses kind of person- but that is one aspect of my job. And I can bear it when I also get to spend times with Women and Kids and teach the Bible. But on the weeks when all I do is sit at a computer trying to organise materials and teams of people I get very depressed and very stressed. So while I feel overwhelmed that this time next week everything will be up and running- I am also relieved at the thought.
It was an exciting week because of weddings!
As previously started, my friend Fi is getting married. It's been fun chatting about it, fun thinking about it. I get to be a bridesmaid which I am very excited about (and honoured). I have friends who have been bridesmaids a few times and so things like dress shopping and hens night and hairstyles are just things that don't excite them. But having only been a bridesmaid once when I was in year 8 (for my Auntie Clare)- this stuff is very, very exciting for me. And even more, it will be so precious to get to be so involved in such a special day- and to assist her and encourage her as she prepares for this new stage of life as a wife. Dresses and flowers are all very well, but to be able to pray with her on the morning of her wedding is I suspect going to be the most special thing.
And- it was an exciting week because yesterday Tim and I were married 5 years. I am very thankful to God for the way he has sustained us through this time (not to mention for all the fun we have had along the way:) ). One thing we did yesterday was go through all the ways that we thought each other had grown in the years of marriage. It was encouraging to know that in Tim's eyes I was a better wife now than when we married and vise-versea!
Anyway, that's my week (trying to think up a more exciting end to this post but can't be bothered!)
love B
Monday, January 25, 2010
Back to work stress
Today is my first in the office day of the year.
And yes, I do realise it's Australia Day.
My first 7 days of work were non-office days, two Sundays and one wonderful week helping out on a Youth and Children's leader's training camp.
But now the rubber hits the road:
-Sunday School
-Creche Rosters
-Tuesday Playgroup
-Wednesday Playgroup? (Not technically my responsibility but I don't think it is anyone else's yet either so have to make sure that someone is sorting things out)
-Koorong shop
-Craft Supplies
-Toy cleaning (Tomorrow is the day where we get all the playgroup toys out and sanitise them for another year of fun in the mouths of local children)
-Schedual and planning for Tim and my Junior Youth Biblestudy/group
-Praying for my sanity and that God in his mercy will use this crazy, disorganised servant to bless the children and women of my church.
And that is why I am working on Australia day.
love B
PS (photos of new house and NZ coming up when we actually have internet at home)
And yes, I do realise it's Australia Day.
My first 7 days of work were non-office days, two Sundays and one wonderful week helping out on a Youth and Children's leader's training camp.
But now the rubber hits the road:
-Sunday School
-Creche Rosters
-Tuesday Playgroup
-Wednesday Playgroup? (Not technically my responsibility but I don't think it is anyone else's yet either so have to make sure that someone is sorting things out)
-Koorong shop
-Craft Supplies
-Toy cleaning (Tomorrow is the day where we get all the playgroup toys out and sanitise them for another year of fun in the mouths of local children)
-Schedual and planning for Tim and my Junior Youth Biblestudy/group
-Praying for my sanity and that God in his mercy will use this crazy, disorganised servant to bless the children and women of my church.
And that is why I am working on Australia day.
love B
PS (photos of new house and NZ coming up when we actually have internet at home)
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