Here are some random pics of Sarah and Emma on the last day in the main venue.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Momentum
Well back from another week at the good old Bath and West Showground. Haven't got much time now, but it was a good week, marred by bad weather, car problems and illness, but we survived and God is amazing!
Here are some random pics of Sarah and Emma on the last day in the main venue.
Here are some random pics of Sarah and Emma on the last day in the main venue.
Fair Trade Clothes
Whilst at Living Water, Jenny Skivington really challenged me about fair trade clothes.
I struggle with fair trade food on a uni budget, and most of the stuff that is fair trade I don't eat anyway!
Clothes are different though. It's just a matter of choosing to not just buy clothes because their cheap.
Whilst I was at Momentum I was challenged by this further with the 'Ethical Bedroom' in the market place run by Tearfund. They provided me with a directory of where I can buy fair trade stuff online.
I've still got a lot of thoughts around this. At the moment, it appears I can only buy fairly traded clothes online. There is one shop in York, but the clothes are not great. (but is that really a good enough excuse?). Other ponderings include the issue of is it still fair trade if it's in a sale? Tearfund gave me a free tshirt at Momentum. I challenged this and they said that the workers had been paid it was them that were choosing to give it for free. But surely if they can afford to give it for free - they can afford to charge less for the clothes normally? Puzzled.
Another thought is the whole, if we all stop buying clothes from places that aren't fair trade then the workers that get barely anything will end up with nothing... hmm...
In my brief investigating today I also discovered the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), I don't have enough knowledge or time to go into it now, but there is more here.
So that suggests a number of shops that are better to shop in - I don't think they're fair trade, but perhaps they're second best? What do people think?
I struggle with fair trade food on a uni budget, and most of the stuff that is fair trade I don't eat anyway!
Clothes are different though. It's just a matter of choosing to not just buy clothes because their cheap.
Whilst I was at Momentum I was challenged by this further with the 'Ethical Bedroom' in the market place run by Tearfund. They provided me with a directory of where I can buy fair trade stuff online.
I've still got a lot of thoughts around this. At the moment, it appears I can only buy fairly traded clothes online. There is one shop in York, but the clothes are not great. (but is that really a good enough excuse?). Other ponderings include the issue of is it still fair trade if it's in a sale? Tearfund gave me a free tshirt at Momentum. I challenged this and they said that the workers had been paid it was them that were choosing to give it for free. But surely if they can afford to give it for free - they can afford to charge less for the clothes normally? Puzzled.
Another thought is the whole, if we all stop buying clothes from places that aren't fair trade then the workers that get barely anything will end up with nothing... hmm...
In my brief investigating today I also discovered the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), I don't have enough knowledge or time to go into it now, but there is more here.
So that suggests a number of shops that are better to shop in - I don't think they're fair trade, but perhaps they're second best? What do people think?
Friday, August 18, 2006
Living Water
Wow.
Look - our tents are on the Network Norwich website!
The article can be read here
It was my first proper time at Living Water. I went a number of years ago as a day visitor before I was a Christian - I don't remember much about it other than chatting to people on the NYFC stall and playing pretend golf of something with a tree branch with Paul Cracknell!
This year I was working and camping in the youth venue. I camped with Paul and Hannah Farmer and some of our youth from NCBC. (our tents are above - mine being the bent one at the front). We had a great time together - even though our gazebo blew down and broke on Sat leaving us with no where to cook! In the end Fakenham took us in and cooked for us - whoo! We also had to sleep elsewhere that night as it was a washout!
As well as helping look out for our youth I worked in the youth cafe, and did prayer ministry. I really liked the cafe, it was fun - we had a laugh! I've never seen so many people eat pot noodles! I found prayer ministry really hard, but it was good to trust God. All in all it was wonderful to see God work powerfully in these young peoples' lives.
Look - our tents are on the Network Norwich website!
It was my first proper time at Living Water. I went a number of years ago as a day visitor before I was a Christian - I don't remember much about it other than chatting to people on the NYFC stall and playing pretend golf of something with a tree branch with Paul Cracknell!
This year I was working and camping in the youth venue. I camped with Paul and Hannah Farmer and some of our youth from NCBC. (our tents are above - mine being the bent one at the front). We had a great time together - even though our gazebo blew down and broke on Sat leaving us with no where to cook! In the end Fakenham took us in and cooked for us - whoo! We also had to sleep elsewhere that night as it was a washout!
As well as helping look out for our youth I worked in the youth cafe, and did prayer ministry. I really liked the cafe, it was fun - we had a laugh! I've never seen so many people eat pot noodles! I found prayer ministry really hard, but it was good to trust God. All in all it was wonderful to see God work powerfully in these young peoples' lives.
Devon
Had a lovely time at Croyde Bay with the family even though I was ill!
We stayed into two chalets and there were 10-12 of us staying together. Most of the time we just chilled and went body boarding - the beach and sea was lovely.
Can't think of much else to say!
Here are some pics:
We stayed into two chalets and there were 10-12 of us staying together. Most of the time we just chilled and went body boarding - the beach and sea was lovely.
Can't think of much else to say!
Here are some pics:
Thursday, August 17, 2006
New Wine
Wow I haven't posted for ages. Sorry guys! Haven't been near a computer much!
Straight after Reality I went to New Wine with my friend Sarah. We worked for a company called Veritasse selling artwork. It was a lot more hard work than I thought it would be, but it was a real insight into New Wine and the market place and Christian Art. It's so expensive and I couldn't justify buying it, but it's amazing and people are really moved by it and drawn closer to God.
I also bumped into some Norwich and Gateway Vineyard people which was really cool. I love getting to know people from other churches in Norwich better. It's great to see different insights into church and to learn from others. I also saw some people from St Mary's in Leamington Spa where I had my gap year. It was really cool to catch up with them. Lastly I also saw some friends that used to go to Dereham Rd and who's parents are still involved with NCBC. It's so amazing to meet up with people you haven't seen for a while.
One thing I realised this year is that New Wine/Soul Survivor etc can be quite exclusive. This is not a purposeful thing, and I don't know if there's much you can do about it, but being just Sarah and I felt quite weird. People come to New Wine in groups (mainly church groups) and they tend to stick in these groups - so when you're on your own it can be hard to slot in. Coming in a group is not a bad thing - it can be a time of tremendous growth for your church group, spending so much time together in this way. But it did feel quite lonely/exclusive going as a pair. Don't get me wrong - Sarah and I had a great time together, but I just felt a bit like a little lost fish in a big ocean of many unknown fish (for want of a better metaphor).
A good thing about New Wine was that I didn't know any of the songs. Normally I would find that irritating, but I realised it was good for me. So often I know all the songs and take it for granted that others do - but they blatently don't all the time! We were let by Trent Vineyard in Venue 2. Not knowing the songs was a really weird experience, standing amongst many people singing their hearts out and me silent. It did mean though that I paid more attention to what the words were saying and whether I actually wanted to say them.
Anothing I learnt is that the people up the front aren't always what you expect them to be down on the ground...
Straight after Reality I went to New Wine with my friend Sarah. We worked for a company called Veritasse selling artwork. It was a lot more hard work than I thought it would be, but it was a real insight into New Wine and the market place and Christian Art. It's so expensive and I couldn't justify buying it, but it's amazing and people are really moved by it and drawn closer to God.
I also bumped into some Norwich and Gateway Vineyard people which was really cool. I love getting to know people from other churches in Norwich better. It's great to see different insights into church and to learn from others. I also saw some people from St Mary's in Leamington Spa where I had my gap year. It was really cool to catch up with them. Lastly I also saw some friends that used to go to Dereham Rd and who's parents are still involved with NCBC. It's so amazing to meet up with people you haven't seen for a while.
One thing I realised this year is that New Wine/Soul Survivor etc can be quite exclusive. This is not a purposeful thing, and I don't know if there's much you can do about it, but being just Sarah and I felt quite weird. People come to New Wine in groups (mainly church groups) and they tend to stick in these groups - so when you're on your own it can be hard to slot in. Coming in a group is not a bad thing - it can be a time of tremendous growth for your church group, spending so much time together in this way. But it did feel quite lonely/exclusive going as a pair. Don't get me wrong - Sarah and I had a great time together, but I just felt a bit like a little lost fish in a big ocean of many unknown fish (for want of a better metaphor).
A good thing about New Wine was that I didn't know any of the songs. Normally I would find that irritating, but I realised it was good for me. So often I know all the songs and take it for granted that others do - but they blatently don't all the time! We were let by Trent Vineyard in Venue 2. Not knowing the songs was a really weird experience, standing amongst many people singing their hearts out and me silent. It did mean though that I paid more attention to what the words were saying and whether I actually wanted to say them.
Anothing I learnt is that the people up the front aren't always what you expect them to be down on the ground...
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Reality
Wow is all I can say for now.
God is amazing
I am drenched and have a splitting headache and cycling in a massive thunder storm is entertaining to say the least.
But God is still amazing and has done fantastic things today from putting out fires to saving BBQs from rain.
I shall post more in the morning.
God is amazing
I am drenched and have a splitting headache and cycling in a massive thunder storm is entertaining to say the least.
But God is still amazing and has done fantastic things today from putting out fires to saving BBQs from rain.
I shall post more in the morning.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Blogging-Reality-Life!
Was chatting with Craig this evening about blogging and how sometimes you just never get round to doing it, and how sometimes, when you post something that takes you forever no one comments. Also, how do you know what to post and what's ok for people to read, and how easy is it to forget that everyone's reading this...
Well, it was the first day of Reality today and I was impressed. I've been a little disheartened that people haven't been signing up and it just felt a little on the empty side this morning - but people were engaging and God was definitely there. Then when we were out in Mousehold I realised that God was making an impact however many of us there were. 10 of us were litter picking and we had such a laugh - there was joy and there was love - thank you God! We met a number of people who are gonna come along to the BBQ on Wed which was cool. Also spent ages chatting to this guy who it would be wonderful if God could touch in an amazing way right now. Lord - let your will be done!
Also had the cafe this eve - it was a little on the quiet side but good. Some people walked in from being given flyers and good conversations were had.
So Lord, thank you for all that's happened and thank you for all that's gonna happen! Help us to do your will.
Life - well, what can I say. Off to New Wine on Sunday to work, then joining family in Devon for a few days, before coming back to Norwich to work at Living Water, then going to Momentum! Also hunting for a placement - think I may sign up with a helpline or do some mentoring. 3rd year is quite scary. Real life is only just round the corner - perhaps I'll go do a masters! The counselling guy at UEA is good.
Right, must get sleep before another 13hr day tomorrow!
Well, it was the first day of Reality today and I was impressed. I've been a little disheartened that people haven't been signing up and it just felt a little on the empty side this morning - but people were engaging and God was definitely there. Then when we were out in Mousehold I realised that God was making an impact however many of us there were. 10 of us were litter picking and we had such a laugh - there was joy and there was love - thank you God! We met a number of people who are gonna come along to the BBQ on Wed which was cool. Also spent ages chatting to this guy who it would be wonderful if God could touch in an amazing way right now. Lord - let your will be done!
Also had the cafe this eve - it was a little on the quiet side but good. Some people walked in from being given flyers and good conversations were had.
So Lord, thank you for all that's happened and thank you for all that's gonna happen! Help us to do your will.
Life - well, what can I say. Off to New Wine on Sunday to work, then joining family in Devon for a few days, before coming back to Norwich to work at Living Water, then going to Momentum! Also hunting for a placement - think I may sign up with a helpline or do some mentoring. 3rd year is quite scary. Real life is only just round the corner - perhaps I'll go do a masters! The counselling guy at UEA is good.
Right, must get sleep before another 13hr day tomorrow!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
If I ruled the world...
Good at maths anyone?
Total amount of money I receive for living at uni: £3473
Total amount of rent for the year: £2958
Estimated total amount of household bills for the year: £250+ (my share)
So that leaves me with round about £250 for the year for food, books, travel, socialising.
Good job I've got paid work while I'm at uni, which should give me £1000 for the year, giving me a grand total of just over £100 a month.
Money is fun isn't it.
On the other side of things, I will be in more than £12,000 debt when I leave university. Those who know me, know that I'm good with money - potentially a little too tight. So what about those who aren't? And how about the new fees this year? If someone takes the full loan, and has to pay all the fees, that's over £7000 a year, totalling more than £21,000 with interest after their degree. Isn't that a wonderful start to life? Is it worth it?
I read somewhere that about 75% of females never pay back all of their student loan ever.
Then we get to houses and mortgages. In short, unless I get a shockingly high paid job, probably more than my parents put together, I just won't be able to afford it.
Don't even start me on credit cards. I refuse to have one. I rang my bank the other day. They informed me that I was due a review on my overdraft since I use it so much (I keep it in my ISA :D). So I was put through to someone else, who said, 'Would you like a graduate credit card?' - a) I'm not a graduate for another year, and b) I don't want one!!!!!! Why are they asking me if I want one because I use my overdraft lots? - surely that means I'm in debt and therefore it is stupid to give more reason for me to be in debt? Or do they think that because I'm in debt, I will quite happily get more in debt - and therefore they'll get more money?
If only I ruled the world...
Total amount of money I receive for living at uni: £3473
Total amount of rent for the year: £2958
Estimated total amount of household bills for the year: £250+ (my share)
So that leaves me with round about £250 for the year for food, books, travel, socialising.
Good job I've got paid work while I'm at uni, which should give me £1000 for the year, giving me a grand total of just over £100 a month.
Money is fun isn't it.
On the other side of things, I will be in more than £12,000 debt when I leave university. Those who know me, know that I'm good with money - potentially a little too tight. So what about those who aren't? And how about the new fees this year? If someone takes the full loan, and has to pay all the fees, that's over £7000 a year, totalling more than £21,000 with interest after their degree. Isn't that a wonderful start to life? Is it worth it?
I read somewhere that about 75% of females never pay back all of their student loan ever.
Then we get to houses and mortgages. In short, unless I get a shockingly high paid job, probably more than my parents put together, I just won't be able to afford it.
Don't even start me on credit cards. I refuse to have one. I rang my bank the other day. They informed me that I was due a review on my overdraft since I use it so much (I keep it in my ISA :D). So I was put through to someone else, who said, 'Would you like a graduate credit card?' - a) I'm not a graduate for another year, and b) I don't want one!!!!!! Why are they asking me if I want one because I use my overdraft lots? - surely that means I'm in debt and therefore it is stupid to give more reason for me to be in debt? Or do they think that because I'm in debt, I will quite happily get more in debt - and therefore they'll get more money?
If only I ruled the world...
Monday, June 26, 2006
REALITY
OK guys - now is the time to sign up!!
Reality is only just over a month away and we need YOU to make it happen.
Sign up NOW for just £20 for 5 days of teaching, worship and celebration and most importantly 5 afternoons of reaching out to our local community!
It is the first week of the summer holidays 24th-29th July - so there is no excuse not to come and work for your city of Norwich in spreading God's love.
It is such a majorly important thing to do. Just think of what it could be the start of.
The start of life changing relationships and work in your community that will go on for years to come, where hearts will be change and people will be made whole. It can be the development of vital work that is already going on!
Everyone from the age of 14 is welcome to come along (over 21s need to be referenced) - so spread the word.
Tell all your friends and get them to come along. Tell your youth leader that it's a week of events ready organised for them where they can bring their youth group.
So, get praying and get BOOKING now!!!!
Friday, June 23, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
Home!
Well, I'm back in Norwich!
Can't seem to move round my bedroom much - I have far too much stuff.
Starting to get some random bits for summer sorted.
Looking at driving lessons - but they're shockingly priced :(
Tried to go to Durban with Soul Survivor but they're fully booked :(
I'd like to go abroad. Get some worldly experience.
Like to do something musical - am feeling very musical at the mo.
bleh
Can't seem to move round my bedroom much - I have far too much stuff.
Starting to get some random bits for summer sorted.
Looking at driving lessons - but they're shockingly priced :(
Tried to go to Durban with Soul Survivor but they're fully booked :(
I'd like to go abroad. Get some worldly experience.
Like to do something musical - am feeling very musical at the mo.
bleh
Friday, June 09, 2006
Trusting God
Why is trusting God so hard?
In about a weeks time I shall be back in Norwich, but I have very little plans for while I am there.
Some may think that's a great thing as I can just relax and enjoy myself, if I was a 'good' girl I could even use the time to get closer to God.
But I want to do something. I want to make the most of the time. I want to give my time and skills at the same time as learning more, developing and growing spiritually and in all things. I'd love to develop my listening/counselling skills as I need as much practice as possible to gain some confidence!
So far though, I have found very little.
Naturally I will be helping with Reality and I'm also planning to go to Momentum with some friends from uni. Hopefully I can help lead worship at church, and Paul has asked me to assist in youth church. But what else can I do?
I'm daily asking God to show me how he wants me to use my time, and telling him that with his help I'm up for anything he wants, but it's hard to trust isn't it. Hard to trust that he does have a plan even when I don't know what. What if I get to the end of the summer and still haven't done anything. Have I done what he wanted?
This then spreads to the rest of life. This is probably my last 'free' summer. This time next year I will have finished uni. Yes there are options of further study, but even then, where would I study? Would I come home? Stay here? Go somewhere else? If I get a job, where would it be? What on earth would it be?! I feel like I have no clue as to what I want to do, let alone what God wants. I know it's ok to not know. I know I've got to trust God, but I can't help but worry.
I soooo want to do what God wants because I know that what he plans is better than my own desires or will. But at the same time, I don't want my life or time to go to waste, and it's hard to trust that it won't.
In about a weeks time I shall be back in Norwich, but I have very little plans for while I am there.
Some may think that's a great thing as I can just relax and enjoy myself, if I was a 'good' girl I could even use the time to get closer to God.
But I want to do something. I want to make the most of the time. I want to give my time and skills at the same time as learning more, developing and growing spiritually and in all things. I'd love to develop my listening/counselling skills as I need as much practice as possible to gain some confidence!
So far though, I have found very little.
Naturally I will be helping with Reality and I'm also planning to go to Momentum with some friends from uni. Hopefully I can help lead worship at church, and Paul has asked me to assist in youth church. But what else can I do?
I'm daily asking God to show me how he wants me to use my time, and telling him that with his help I'm up for anything he wants, but it's hard to trust isn't it. Hard to trust that he does have a plan even when I don't know what. What if I get to the end of the summer and still haven't done anything. Have I done what he wanted?
This then spreads to the rest of life. This is probably my last 'free' summer. This time next year I will have finished uni. Yes there are options of further study, but even then, where would I study? Would I come home? Stay here? Go somewhere else? If I get a job, where would it be? What on earth would it be?! I feel like I have no clue as to what I want to do, let alone what God wants. I know it's ok to not know. I know I've got to trust God, but I can't help but worry.
I soooo want to do what God wants because I know that what he plans is better than my own desires or will. But at the same time, I don't want my life or time to go to waste, and it's hard to trust that it won't.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Chocolate
Bit late, but I thought I'd post a pic of my brother's chocolate fountain and the fun we had on Sunday:
We had it to celebrate Emily getting baptised which was amazingly cool! It's fabdabulous to see God working in her :D I'm excited at what else he's got planned for her!
We had it to celebrate Emily getting baptised which was amazingly cool! It's fabdabulous to see God working in her :D I'm excited at what else he's got planned for her!
Friday, May 19, 2006
Da Vinci Code
Just been to see the film and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Went a bit quick though, I was like, oh it's finished!
The first thing that stood out to me was how real it looked when Silas was whipping himself - I couldn't look it was horrible!
I'm still confused as to whether there's anything truth in the book at all, but whether there is or not it won't stop me believing in God and Jesus! It doesn't really bother me whether Jesus had a bloodline or not. So what if he had kids? It doesn't change what he did.
I was sad at the way it made Christianity look quite bad, but then I realised it's reflecting some truths from our past and we've made it look bad for ourselves.
Talked a bit with a friend today about the whole Jesus getting married bit. I don't think he did and I don't think he had children, but for me it doesn't really make much difference. My friend was saying that if he had got married it would have been recorded in the gospels because it would have been a significant thing. That's fair enough. In the film though, it seemed to me that if Jesus had got married and had children it would change the whole Christian faith, I'm not entirely sure how though (well, I can see that a lie could seriously rock things). So what if he got married? So what if he had kids. Can someone explain what's wrong with that? I'm happy to be re-educated.
I may write some more when my brain has filtered it all! I feel a bit naive about it all really.
Went a bit quick though, I was like, oh it's finished!
The first thing that stood out to me was how real it looked when Silas was whipping himself - I couldn't look it was horrible!
I'm still confused as to whether there's anything truth in the book at all, but whether there is or not it won't stop me believing in God and Jesus! It doesn't really bother me whether Jesus had a bloodline or not. So what if he had kids? It doesn't change what he did.
I was sad at the way it made Christianity look quite bad, but then I realised it's reflecting some truths from our past and we've made it look bad for ourselves.
Talked a bit with a friend today about the whole Jesus getting married bit. I don't think he did and I don't think he had children, but for me it doesn't really make much difference. My friend was saying that if he had got married it would have been recorded in the gospels because it would have been a significant thing. That's fair enough. In the film though, it seemed to me that if Jesus had got married and had children it would change the whole Christian faith, I'm not entirely sure how though (well, I can see that a lie could seriously rock things). So what if he got married? So what if he had kids. Can someone explain what's wrong with that? I'm happy to be re-educated.
I may write some more when my brain has filtered it all! I feel a bit naive about it all really.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Fun on the buses
Well, it's been a fun week. As promised - here are some pics of me. Unfortunately I don't have full uniform yet, and they didn't have a jacket thingy small enough!
I'm not actually sure how much I'm allowed to say or whether I'm allowed to have my own opinion online! Lets just say, it's been interesting and it was free for most of last week! We now have conductors on the bus.
There are many views/letters/opinions etc on the local newspaper here as you can see, there are many opinions, most on the negative. To be honest, there is more to life than a bus. Yes it's not been perfect, and yes it's been extremely disruptive, but it will calm down. As human's we're not very good at change. But it's a permanent part of life.
I'm not actually sure how much I'm allowed to say or whether I'm allowed to have my own opinion online! Lets just say, it's been interesting and it was free for most of last week! We now have conductors on the bus.
There are many views/letters/opinions etc on the local newspaper here as you can see, there are many opinions, most on the negative. To be honest, there is more to life than a bus. Yes it's not been perfect, and yes it's been extremely disruptive, but it will calm down. As human's we're not very good at change. But it's a permanent part of life.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Bleh
Bleh - me tired.
Please pray that I can make essays and work all fit together without being too tired.
Ooo... and that the bus customers aren't too horrible next week!
Please pray that I can make essays and work all fit together without being too tired.
Ooo... and that the bus customers aren't too horrible next week!
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