Four years ago I was chatting with a friend about living away from home. I had moved from Melbourne to Sydney to study at Bible College with Tim, and she had moved from Brisbane to study at that same college. She had started a blog as a way of keeping people updated on her happens, particularly to help them to know what best to pray about. I thought this was a great idea, particularly so that I could share what I was learning over that time. So I began my original blog bgsydneyside
Now, four years on, the Sydney adventure is over. And while I haven't found myself to be the most consistent of bloggers in this time, I've found it a really helpful to have a public forum on which I can reflect and express my experiences. And so I decided that moving back to Melbourne was the perfect opportunity to start a new blog.
I realised that there were things I wanted to do on this blog. I wanted to be able to talk about the everyday things of life. I wanted to be able to share my experience of attempting to write and publish my first novel. And I wanted to be able to talk about God, and my experience of serving him- particularly in our new life as church planters. Particularly on that last point, I have been thinking lots about how eternity effects how we live in the here and now. This lead me to the idea of a blog devoted to my three worlds: Melbourne, my novel fantasy world, and heaven.
I know better than to promise that I will write every day, or to promise that I will talk equally about each of these categories. But I figure this will be a good opportunity for people, be they in Sydney or Melbourne or anywhere else, to have a richer picture of my life than a few flimsy facebook stati might provide. It is also a chance for me to record something of this stage of life that God has put me in.
So thank you for coming for a visit! Don't feel any obligation to keep reading- but if you would like to feel free to press the button on the right to follow. Or just come and check every so often if you would like.
I look forward to sharing my three worlds with you.
love BG
Showing posts with label College. Show all posts
Showing posts with label College. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Time
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
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
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
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
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 21, 2010
Funnest Game Ever
Now- to start with, I know that Funnest is not a real word, and though I don't think either of them actually used that word- it makes me think of Elle Wood from Legally Blond or Cher from Clueless. I feel like such a twit when i use it normally.
But sometimes it just fits.
We had our 3rd year weekend away this last weekend. College weekends away are really special- particularly this one as rather than going home to our our separate lives- we are going home to College accommodation- so many people now living just down the road!
I caught up with some old friends- most my age- but as is often my way I made a few friends under 5 as well. Playing with kids on weekend away is a win-win because not only do I get to spend time with some gorgeous kiddies, but I make the parents really happy by giving them a break. My 2.75 year old buddy Archie is normally not the most affectionate of kiddies, but on the weekend he was on my lap singing to himself "bee, bee, bee, bee. bee, bee, bee, bee". Pretty cute.
Anyway- on to the Funnest thing.
We had a movie trivia night. Now Trivia is one of my things. I love it- and even though I don't know movies that well- I had a blast.
But how cool is this as an activity!
Each team was given a budget of 30 million. We were then given a list of famous actors, places, prop options (like a pirate ship or a light sabre), and extras. Using this list and staying under budget- we needed to write a summary of what our film would be.
I was totally in my element!
Myself, and the two other members of my team who like this kind of thing sat down for 15 minutes and 'wrote' our movie. It ended up being the story of Elvira (played by Judy Dench), who was dumped by Edward Cullin, and who turns into a leather clad zombie-killing biker chick- who eventually falls for a zombiafied Hugh Jackman. They finally get revenge against Edward and his zombie girlfriend Hilary Duff by murdering them at an Areosmith concert.
It was the Funnest.
love B
But sometimes it just fits.
We had our 3rd year weekend away this last weekend. College weekends away are really special- particularly this one as rather than going home to our our separate lives- we are going home to College accommodation- so many people now living just down the road!
I caught up with some old friends- most my age- but as is often my way I made a few friends under 5 as well. Playing with kids on weekend away is a win-win because not only do I get to spend time with some gorgeous kiddies, but I make the parents really happy by giving them a break. My 2.75 year old buddy Archie is normally not the most affectionate of kiddies, but on the weekend he was on my lap singing to himself "bee, bee, bee, bee. bee, bee, bee, bee". Pretty cute.
Anyway- on to the Funnest thing.
We had a movie trivia night. Now Trivia is one of my things. I love it- and even though I don't know movies that well- I had a blast.
But how cool is this as an activity!
Each team was given a budget of 30 million. We were then given a list of famous actors, places, prop options (like a pirate ship or a light sabre), and extras. Using this list and staying under budget- we needed to write a summary of what our film would be.
I was totally in my element!
Myself, and the two other members of my team who like this kind of thing sat down for 15 minutes and 'wrote' our movie. It ended up being the story of Elvira (played by Judy Dench), who was dumped by Edward Cullin, and who turns into a leather clad zombie-killing biker chick- who eventually falls for a zombiafied Hugh Jackman. They finally get revenge against Edward and his zombie girlfriend Hilary Duff by murdering them at an Areosmith concert.
It was the Funnest.
love B
Friday, November 6, 2009
Places
If there is one thing I hate more than cleaning it is packing!
And this pack will be one of the hardest of all.
Because we are moving from a ridiculously large three bedroom place with no cupboards to a tiny 2 bedroom place with a cupboard at every turn. So we are going to be throwing out so much stuff and I hate doing that! And I know no matter how much Tim convinces me to throw out, I will not throw enough out so when we get to the box-unpacking stage we will be throwing out even more stuff so that our study doesn't end up being the box/junk room.
But the other thing that will be hard is that we are leaving.
I am such a place person. I get attached to places. I love places. It's been over 12 years since my Grandparents sold their farm and yet I try not to thinking about it much even now because I ache so much for it. And even though I'm really excited about moving into College housing, my heart already aches for this place. For the high ceilings and the big windows. For the strange nooks and the musty smell. For the mess that as accumulated in a way that I'm happy with.
I'll miss the trip up to the laundry and the strange little car-park. I'll miss the check-out people at the local store who I see enough to have them smile when they see me walk in.
I'll miss my walk- under the railway line, pass the shops, up to Parramatta road and past the dress shops!
I'll miss Stanmore and even though it is within walking distance of where we will live it will not be the same.
And in two years time I will feel exactly the same about our tiny two bedder.
It's times like these when I need to remind myself that my home is in heaven. And one day I will go there and never have to leave (or pack!) again.
love B
And this pack will be one of the hardest of all.
Because we are moving from a ridiculously large three bedroom place with no cupboards to a tiny 2 bedroom place with a cupboard at every turn. So we are going to be throwing out so much stuff and I hate doing that! And I know no matter how much Tim convinces me to throw out, I will not throw enough out so when we get to the box-unpacking stage we will be throwing out even more stuff so that our study doesn't end up being the box/junk room.
But the other thing that will be hard is that we are leaving.
I am such a place person. I get attached to places. I love places. It's been over 12 years since my Grandparents sold their farm and yet I try not to thinking about it much even now because I ache so much for it. And even though I'm really excited about moving into College housing, my heart already aches for this place. For the high ceilings and the big windows. For the strange nooks and the musty smell. For the mess that as accumulated in a way that I'm happy with.
I'll miss the trip up to the laundry and the strange little car-park. I'll miss the check-out people at the local store who I see enough to have them smile when they see me walk in.
I'll miss my walk- under the railway line, pass the shops, up to Parramatta road and past the dress shops!
I'll miss Stanmore and even though it is within walking distance of where we will live it will not be the same.
And in two years time I will feel exactly the same about our tiny two bedder.
It's times like these when I need to remind myself that my home is in heaven. And one day I will go there and never have to leave (or pack!) again.
love B
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Answered prayer
We got offered a College unit and are very, very happy.
Today I was walking along, and for the first time in ages I noticed again the roses that line the walkway from the station to the church.
Why is it that when I'm happy, things that make me happy appear everywhere?
Why is it that when I"m not I don't even notice them?
Curious.
love B
Friday, October 2, 2009
Dealing with uncertainty
I hate uncertainty.
I hate it with a passion.
Most of the time i deal with it, following my mothers advice and trying to see it as "an adventure".
Most of the time I tell myself that God is in control and that even if I don't know what is going to happen, God does and that should bring me comfort.
Most of the time I can cope with it.
Not yesterday.
Yesterday I spent the whole day stressing, assuming that it would be the day we would find out if College had a place for us to live next year. You see, they don't have enough for everyone, so you apply- write a letter about your circumstances and hope for the best.
I spent the whole day stressing, until I got the call from Tim saying that they couldn't tell us yet.
It's not just the housing thing. It's everything. So much uncertainty. In everything. My future plans always start with: "If this happens, then this". I hate it. And I couldn't cope.
I woke up this morning. Tim's sister and her husband were staying with us. It was fun. They really like the place that we live. I felt a bit better.
I was so stressed about where we would live when we first moved up. And this place has been a huge blessing.
(Sigh)
I hate uncertainty. Please God help me to keep trusting you through it. Amen
I hate it with a passion.
Most of the time i deal with it, following my mothers advice and trying to see it as "an adventure".
Most of the time I tell myself that God is in control and that even if I don't know what is going to happen, God does and that should bring me comfort.
Most of the time I can cope with it.
Not yesterday.
Yesterday I spent the whole day stressing, assuming that it would be the day we would find out if College had a place for us to live next year. You see, they don't have enough for everyone, so you apply- write a letter about your circumstances and hope for the best.
I spent the whole day stressing, until I got the call from Tim saying that they couldn't tell us yet.
It's not just the housing thing. It's everything. So much uncertainty. In everything. My future plans always start with: "If this happens, then this". I hate it. And I couldn't cope.
I woke up this morning. Tim's sister and her husband were staying with us. It was fun. They really like the place that we live. I felt a bit better.
I was so stressed about where we would live when we first moved up. And this place has been a huge blessing.
(Sigh)
I hate uncertainty. Please God help me to keep trusting you through it. Amen
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Update
Well, well, well- this blog has been pretty low on my priorities these last few weeks!
In fact, I keep toying with the idea of canning it- as the reality of things like blogs is- if you don't write regularly people stop reading, and when people stop reading...then motivation to write gets a little low. But I think I'll keep it up, for those of you who still read it, and in the hope that one day I might actually get into the habit of writing more, I'll get more people reading it, and so on.
What's been happening?
MELBOURNE!!! Times Two in fact.
Our trip down to Melbourne was lovely. Absolutely lovely. To give you a sense of how good it was, Tim had been talking it down for weeks, because he knew that often when I look forward to something I get such high expectations that when it happens I'm bound to be disappointed. But not this time. Melbourne was so much better than I expected.
It wasn't hectic, or at least, I didn't find it hectic! By other people's standards it might have been seen to been a tad people heavy! But it was perfect for me. We had some great catch ups with friends, we had some lovely family time, and we had some lovely Tim and Belinda time- including a trip down to our old favourite haunt: The Snooty Fox.
A personal highlight for me was a small but significant one. Some of our dear friends in Melbourne are a couple that got married two weeks before us, and who went to church with us for many years, and who we used to spend a great deal of time with. They have two kids, a 3 year old and a one year old- and I was a little worried that after 8 months their three year old daughter Luella wouldn't quite remember us, (just one of the prices that you pay for moving interstate and not visiting as often as you like). But while Luella was a little shy when she saw me at church, when we came to their house, she was in the bath and wanted to see me so she began to yell out across the house "BBBBEEEEELLLLIIIIINNNNDDDDDAAAA, BBBBEEEEELLLLLLIIIIIINNNNNDDDDDDAAAAAA!" So cute and very nice to know even our littler friends haven't forgotten us!
The week back was hard for various reasons, one of them being I was home sick. Tim was also stressed about his essay he had due the following Tuesday.
But bless is cleverly-hidden-until-now-academic-side, Tim has an amazing capacity to write essays very fast. He began actually writing late on Sunday and still had 2500 words to go on Monday morning. He got home at 2 and started work. One minute he was planning on missing class on Tuesday to hopefully finish it off, the next minute he was suggesting I proof read he work. He got it done so early we could spend the evening watching Stargate Atlantis. My clever, clever boy!
And then, then it was off to Melbourne to see my Sainters take on Geelong- thanks to my incredibly generous parents. It was a lovely family time- as Dad had been away two weeks before, and our time with Mum had been limited to breakfast at the airport before she joined him! It was a fantastic game- with a not so fantastic result. As Tim reminded me though, as I dejectedly dissected the game, in a world (or city at least) where sport is the main idol, it is great to have a relationship with the real God that puts everything in perspective.
And, funnily enough, after an Afternoon in the rain and cold, I find myself sick at home with the first proper cold I've had all year.
So that has been the last m0nth.
Prayer points: Please pray I get better, pray I have a productive forward thinking time as I work through the school holidays (no formal programs so good time to prepare for the term/year ahead). And pray that I trust God with my health, my future and my job.
And Thank him for a fantastic time in Melbourne
love B
In fact, I keep toying with the idea of canning it- as the reality of things like blogs is- if you don't write regularly people stop reading, and when people stop reading...then motivation to write gets a little low. But I think I'll keep it up, for those of you who still read it, and in the hope that one day I might actually get into the habit of writing more, I'll get more people reading it, and so on.
What's been happening?
MELBOURNE!!! Times Two in fact.
Our trip down to Melbourne was lovely. Absolutely lovely. To give you a sense of how good it was, Tim had been talking it down for weeks, because he knew that often when I look forward to something I get such high expectations that when it happens I'm bound to be disappointed. But not this time. Melbourne was so much better than I expected.
It wasn't hectic, or at least, I didn't find it hectic! By other people's standards it might have been seen to been a tad people heavy! But it was perfect for me. We had some great catch ups with friends, we had some lovely family time, and we had some lovely Tim and Belinda time- including a trip down to our old favourite haunt: The Snooty Fox.
A personal highlight for me was a small but significant one. Some of our dear friends in Melbourne are a couple that got married two weeks before us, and who went to church with us for many years, and who we used to spend a great deal of time with. They have two kids, a 3 year old and a one year old- and I was a little worried that after 8 months their three year old daughter Luella wouldn't quite remember us, (just one of the prices that you pay for moving interstate and not visiting as often as you like). But while Luella was a little shy when she saw me at church, when we came to their house, she was in the bath and wanted to see me so she began to yell out across the house "BBBBEEEEELLLLIIIIINNNNDDDDDAAAA, BBBBEEEEELLLLLLIIIIIINNNNNDDDDDDAAAAAA!" So cute and very nice to know even our littler friends haven't forgotten us!
The week back was hard for various reasons, one of them being I was home sick. Tim was also stressed about his essay he had due the following Tuesday.
But bless is cleverly-hidden-until-now-academic-side, Tim has an amazing capacity to write essays very fast. He began actually writing late on Sunday and still had 2500 words to go on Monday morning. He got home at 2 and started work. One minute he was planning on missing class on Tuesday to hopefully finish it off, the next minute he was suggesting I proof read he work. He got it done so early we could spend the evening watching Stargate Atlantis. My clever, clever boy!
And then, then it was off to Melbourne to see my Sainters take on Geelong- thanks to my incredibly generous parents. It was a lovely family time- as Dad had been away two weeks before, and our time with Mum had been limited to breakfast at the airport before she joined him! It was a fantastic game- with a not so fantastic result. As Tim reminded me though, as I dejectedly dissected the game, in a world (or city at least) where sport is the main idol, it is great to have a relationship with the real God that puts everything in perspective.
And, funnily enough, after an Afternoon in the rain and cold, I find myself sick at home with the first proper cold I've had all year.
So that has been the last m0nth.
Prayer points: Please pray I get better, pray I have a productive forward thinking time as I work through the school holidays (no formal programs so good time to prepare for the term/year ahead). And pray that I trust God with my health, my future and my job.
And Thank him for a fantastic time in Melbourne
love B
Monday, May 25, 2009
Why I love my Bible study!
Today is one of those days where I can think about a million things I want to blog about. "One of those days" doesn't happen very often- so I've actually written down a list that I will plow through over time.
I will give you a "what's been happening update" after this weekend- because that (hopefully!) is when the craziness stops a bit. Plus I am blessed to be having a weekend away with my Mum and Sister in the blue mountains- so I can let you know about that too!
But now- why I love my Bible study.
I was excited about joining a Bible study this year. Last year I really felt the loss of a regular chance with friends to catch up and learn together. I realised the error of my ways half way through the year and tried to join one of the groups for College wives. Unfortunately at that stage they were all bursting at the brim and too full, so it was with great excitement that I approached my second chance at the start of this year.
Now for those of you who don't know me well enough to know my faults- I am an academic snob. I am very Bible literate, and greatly struggle with pride associated with this. With this pride comes also a tendency to be lazy in Bible study, and not push myself to be challenged (because I've often thought about or read before what I am being taught). It also leads me to want to answer every question in Bible study to "show off" I self-diagnosed this sin when I was 19 years old through my memorable and wonderful first year at Christian Union student group at Monash Uni. But despite my self-diagnosis, it has been a constant struggle and I suspect will remain so.
The idea of being in a Bible study run by "College Lecturer's wives" and other "College wives's" appealed because I assumed the studies would be high brow and academic.
But this is what I found.
The studies so far have been on James and the topic of "the church"- two things that I am very familiar with. The things that we discuss, the answers that we come to, are most of the time ones that I already knew or things I already thought.
And yet, it's been wonderful!
Because often the conclusions are conclusions I've known, but never lived out. For example, in our first study on church we came to the conclusion- based on many passages but particularly Romans 12:1 that we needed to live our whole lives as "worship" to God. This was something I knew. But as the study ended I realised how little I lived it out! I don't wake up in the morning thinking about all the different ways I will be worshiping God that day. I don't do the dishes, write my novel or ride the train in a way that acknowledges the one I'm serving. I do think of ministry and church as my worship time and not the rest. What a challenge!
And not only that- I am in a group of very different women. We have a Grandma, a Mother of young adults, and a Mother of young kids. We have a lawyer, a nurse and a PA. We have people studying, teaching and ministering the gospel. All different. All sharing their lives, their wisdom, their struggles, their joys and their prayer points each week.
I am so thankful to God for my Bible study. Once again, my good God has not given me what I expected or what I asked for, but just what I needed. He is like that!
love B
PS For those of you who also struggle with being Bible snobs- two things I have found helpful in a Bible study context. The first is thinking before I answer a question- am I just answering this to show off? The second is even if I'm not, I only ever answer half the questions I want to, to keep myself from dominating. Still not perfect, but I've found it a great help!
I will give you a "what's been happening update" after this weekend- because that (hopefully!) is when the craziness stops a bit. Plus I am blessed to be having a weekend away with my Mum and Sister in the blue mountains- so I can let you know about that too!
But now- why I love my Bible study.
I was excited about joining a Bible study this year. Last year I really felt the loss of a regular chance with friends to catch up and learn together. I realised the error of my ways half way through the year and tried to join one of the groups for College wives. Unfortunately at that stage they were all bursting at the brim and too full, so it was with great excitement that I approached my second chance at the start of this year.
Now for those of you who don't know me well enough to know my faults- I am an academic snob. I am very Bible literate, and greatly struggle with pride associated with this. With this pride comes also a tendency to be lazy in Bible study, and not push myself to be challenged (because I've often thought about or read before what I am being taught). It also leads me to want to answer every question in Bible study to "show off" I self-diagnosed this sin when I was 19 years old through my memorable and wonderful first year at Christian Union student group at Monash Uni. But despite my self-diagnosis, it has been a constant struggle and I suspect will remain so.
The idea of being in a Bible study run by "College Lecturer's wives" and other "College wives's" appealed because I assumed the studies would be high brow and academic.
But this is what I found.
The studies so far have been on James and the topic of "the church"- two things that I am very familiar with. The things that we discuss, the answers that we come to, are most of the time ones that I already knew or things I already thought.
And yet, it's been wonderful!
Because often the conclusions are conclusions I've known, but never lived out. For example, in our first study on church we came to the conclusion- based on many passages but particularly Romans 12:1 that we needed to live our whole lives as "worship" to God. This was something I knew. But as the study ended I realised how little I lived it out! I don't wake up in the morning thinking about all the different ways I will be worshiping God that day. I don't do the dishes, write my novel or ride the train in a way that acknowledges the one I'm serving. I do think of ministry and church as my worship time and not the rest. What a challenge!
And not only that- I am in a group of very different women. We have a Grandma, a Mother of young adults, and a Mother of young kids. We have a lawyer, a nurse and a PA. We have people studying, teaching and ministering the gospel. All different. All sharing their lives, their wisdom, their struggles, their joys and their prayer points each week.
I am so thankful to God for my Bible study. Once again, my good God has not given me what I expected or what I asked for, but just what I needed. He is like that!
love B
PS For those of you who also struggle with being Bible snobs- two things I have found helpful in a Bible study context. The first is thinking before I answer a question- am I just answering this to show off? The second is even if I'm not, I only ever answer half the questions I want to, to keep myself from dominating. Still not perfect, but I've found it a great help!
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