Interesting debate we had today. (I may not have quite expressed it as I want to here)
It was in a lecture on Difference and Helping. We were doing an exercise involving some pairs of statements, like 'Mental health is socially affected' and 'Mental health involves a chemical inbalance' and we had to stand along a line at the point we agreed with the statements (with one at each end. It was all very informative - and we then had to discuss how our view would effect us as a counsellor.
One pair of statements chosen by two girls in the class was 'There is a God' and 'There isn't a God'. Most of the people at the 'There is a God' side were various forms of Christians and the like and people of other faiths. Most of the people went to the other side.
When we then discussed how it would effect us as counsellors the 'No God' side immediately attacked the 'God' side saying that they wouldn't be able to counsel people without bringing their God into it, that they'd force their faith on to people. Whereas they as the 'No God' side wouldn't do that and therefore it's better to not believe in God if you're a counsellor.
Now isn't that interesting. The people claiming to be non-judgemental and open to anything, were immediately attacking the God believing people and being judgemental towards them. I certainly wouldn't have liked any of them counselling me!
Someone in the middle made the best point though, saying that it's up to all of us to focus on the client and not ourselves. It doesn't matter what view of life you have if you're a trained professional - you should be able to be open and helpful whatever your client brings.
It's made me want to investigate other religions a bit - just so I can have an idea of where people are coming from.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Christianness on campus
I'm am laughing at God today. Or rather he's perhaps saying to me 'See!!'
I went to a campus unity talk at Soul Survivor thinking it would be about how to juggle CU and church. It wasn't, it was about juggling different Christian groups on campus. I then promptly switched off thinking, well there's only one group on my campus and there's only 6000 of us anyway.
Today at Freshers Fair I discovered a new group. Student Christian Movement www.movement.org.uk
I thought, ok cool that's interesting. They advertise themselves as being more liberal and welcoming of all people unlike the CU. I asked if they were working against the CU and they said no. But them seem to be doing the same things.
I have to admit that the thought to start an alternative Christian group had crossed my mind as I found the CU too cliquey, strict and unwelcoming. But I didn't like the idea of the Christians being divided on campus, so I was planning to start a SPEAK group working alongside CU rather than in competition with. It has now become clear that the CU leaders knew nothing about this new group until the Freshers Fair today, so it's all going to be very interesting I think.
I went to a campus unity talk at Soul Survivor thinking it would be about how to juggle CU and church. It wasn't, it was about juggling different Christian groups on campus. I then promptly switched off thinking, well there's only one group on my campus and there's only 6000 of us anyway.
Today at Freshers Fair I discovered a new group. Student Christian Movement www.movement.org.uk
I thought, ok cool that's interesting. They advertise themselves as being more liberal and welcoming of all people unlike the CU. I asked if they were working against the CU and they said no. But them seem to be doing the same things.
I have to admit that the thought to start an alternative Christian group had crossed my mind as I found the CU too cliquey, strict and unwelcoming. But I didn't like the idea of the Christians being divided on campus, so I was planning to start a SPEAK group working alongside CU rather than in competition with. It has now become clear that the CU leaders knew nothing about this new group until the Freshers Fair today, so it's all going to be very interesting I think.
New Church
Tried out a new church on Sunday. Well a different one, not a new new one! Although I've heard rumours of a Vineyard church being planted in York - I'll keep me eyes open.
Anyway. Went with my friend Bek - short cycle ride, so not too far. We were a bit late and it looked a little shut up, but we sneaked in to what appeared to be a fairly old building that's been recently done up giving a large and airy feeling that's not so big you get lost in it! As we walked down to find a seat that small band was playing 'Your love is amazing' and there were no pews (not that that's necessarily important!)
It was a family service, so not a typical service. It was very interactive though - especially since it seemed to be a one man show. He did well at getting the children involved (distinct lack of youth). I enjoyed the service. There must have been 30-40 people of various ages. The two ladies in front of us turned round at the end and complimented our singing! lol.
We chatted to a number of people afterwards and had a long chat with the vicars wife explaining that we'd come across the church quite by accident as it was not advertised anywhere. They're going to sort that out! Through chatting to her and an email I received from the vicar previously (a very nice and helpful email) we discovered that they are part of three churches in the area, they do Alpha, are linked to New Wine, have cell groups using the four Ws (welcome, worship, witness, word), and seem to have a very balanced and good theology/doctrine (whatever the right word is!!). They do a tiny bit of community work and mission, but are up for supporting any suggestions. They don't have any students.
We also went to the evening service which starts with coffee at 7pm, before the service at 7.30. All three churches come together for this, so there were a few people who were slightly younger, but still no youth or students. The service is usually worship and word and looks like it could be pretty good - but they were doing a presentation on their experiences at New Wine (which really could have been adequately done in 10mins rather than boring us all!) so it wasn't great.
We are going to try it out again this Sunday - they're having a welcome back to church week - so that'll be interesting!
Anyway. Went with my friend Bek - short cycle ride, so not too far. We were a bit late and it looked a little shut up, but we sneaked in to what appeared to be a fairly old building that's been recently done up giving a large and airy feeling that's not so big you get lost in it! As we walked down to find a seat that small band was playing 'Your love is amazing' and there were no pews (not that that's necessarily important!)
It was a family service, so not a typical service. It was very interactive though - especially since it seemed to be a one man show. He did well at getting the children involved (distinct lack of youth). I enjoyed the service. There must have been 30-40 people of various ages. The two ladies in front of us turned round at the end and complimented our singing! lol.
We chatted to a number of people afterwards and had a long chat with the vicars wife explaining that we'd come across the church quite by accident as it was not advertised anywhere. They're going to sort that out! Through chatting to her and an email I received from the vicar previously (a very nice and helpful email) we discovered that they are part of three churches in the area, they do Alpha, are linked to New Wine, have cell groups using the four Ws (welcome, worship, witness, word), and seem to have a very balanced and good theology/doctrine (whatever the right word is!!). They do a tiny bit of community work and mission, but are up for supporting any suggestions. They don't have any students.
We also went to the evening service which starts with coffee at 7pm, before the service at 7.30. All three churches come together for this, so there were a few people who were slightly younger, but still no youth or students. The service is usually worship and word and looks like it could be pretty good - but they were doing a presentation on their experiences at New Wine (which really could have been adequately done in 10mins rather than boring us all!) so it wasn't great.
We are going to try it out again this Sunday - they're having a welcome back to church week - so that'll be interesting!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Sandcastle
Here is a sandcastle build by Keith and I on the beach at Lowerstoft a week ago :D
I hope you all approve ;)
I hope you all approve ;)
Friday, September 16, 2005
UshopUgive
Guys!
You all need to go here http://www.ushopugive.com and register - for everyone that registers and nominates Norwich Youth for Christ - NYFC gets 50p, then when you buy anything through the website they get money too! You've got less than a week to do it though!
NYFC are a charity that does loads of great stuff and they only get money from donations and trusts - so they need all the help they can get!
You all need to go here http://www.ushopugive.com and register - for everyone that registers and nominates Norwich Youth for Christ - NYFC gets 50p, then when you buy anything through the website they get money too! You've got less than a week to do it though!
NYFC are a charity that does loads of great stuff and they only get money from donations and trusts - so they need all the help they can get!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Uni
Well it's that time again.
Travelled up today, thanks to the wonderful parents.
Had to get here in time for training for me new job - so I feel like it's been a really nonstop day.
So far I can't get onto my bed because there's too much stuff to sort out! The internet and router are working very well though and my phone is all set up and I've got my music playing and the TV almost works (gotta fiddle with the ariel a bit more), housemates seem ok.
Travelled up today, thanks to the wonderful parents.
Had to get here in time for training for me new job - so I feel like it's been a really nonstop day.
So far I can't get onto my bed because there's too much stuff to sort out! The internet and router are working very well though and my phone is all set up and I've got my music playing and the TV almost works (gotta fiddle with the ariel a bit more), housemates seem ok.
Sunday
Lots of bits and pieces from Sunday, it's taken me till now to be able to post properly! How great to be back at uni with my broadband - although entertainingly we're getting broadband at home now I've left!
James spoke at church Sunday morning. We're in the hall now as they've taken the pews out of the main church. I prefer it in the hall (apart from have the muscians in the middle, but that's completely another story!). Aparently Norwich is the top Godless city in the UK! We gotta do something guys.
He also mentioned something about how all the reports in the press about Christians in the UK dying out by 2040 are actually just about the Anglican church and that it's not the same across the board. He also said something about Baptists being the fasted growing because they stick to the Bible the most. Obviously this won't be completely the same in every church, but generally speaking. I found it interesting, and also reassuring that maybe we won't have died out by 2040 - I'm certainly intending to still be a Christian then - I'll be 55 I think! lol
This all led nicely into the evening service where Randall came and talked to us about the work of NYFC - he was great. He also did a good plug for Reality (www.reality-norwich.com) - it's so exciting - I can't wait for next summer. I love Norwich. It's awful that it's the most Godless city. Us as Christians need kicking up our backsides to sort it out!
Paul C preached at the evening service. I like listening to him, but I prefer his Fridays talking - more interactive. The bits I picked out of his talk (before I read his notes!) were about expecting God in the unexpected places. He talked on Daniel 2 where Daniel had to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dream without knowing what it was about. Sometimes our non-Christian friends may have God talking to them without realising it and it's up to us to show them and explain to them. How we don't just go to people with God in a bag and offer some, we need to look at see where God is already working. Also that would shouldn't always expect to find God in all the usual places - he could be anywhere! It's also a little risking cuz you don't always know what God's doing - but you've got to trust.
There are more bits, but those are what stood out to me. They've encouraged me to keep going with my housemates. That at the vision of them getting Baptised!
James spoke at church Sunday morning. We're in the hall now as they've taken the pews out of the main church. I prefer it in the hall (apart from have the muscians in the middle, but that's completely another story!). Aparently Norwich is the top Godless city in the UK! We gotta do something guys.
He also mentioned something about how all the reports in the press about Christians in the UK dying out by 2040 are actually just about the Anglican church and that it's not the same across the board. He also said something about Baptists being the fasted growing because they stick to the Bible the most. Obviously this won't be completely the same in every church, but generally speaking. I found it interesting, and also reassuring that maybe we won't have died out by 2040 - I'm certainly intending to still be a Christian then - I'll be 55 I think! lol
This all led nicely into the evening service where Randall came and talked to us about the work of NYFC - he was great. He also did a good plug for Reality (www.reality-norwich.com) - it's so exciting - I can't wait for next summer. I love Norwich. It's awful that it's the most Godless city. Us as Christians need kicking up our backsides to sort it out!
Paul C preached at the evening service. I like listening to him, but I prefer his Fridays talking - more interactive. The bits I picked out of his talk (before I read his notes!) were about expecting God in the unexpected places. He talked on Daniel 2 where Daniel had to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dream without knowing what it was about. Sometimes our non-Christian friends may have God talking to them without realising it and it's up to us to show them and explain to them. How we don't just go to people with God in a bag and offer some, we need to look at see where God is already working. Also that would shouldn't always expect to find God in all the usual places - he could be anywhere! It's also a little risking cuz you don't always know what God's doing - but you've got to trust.
There are more bits, but those are what stood out to me. They've encouraged me to keep going with my housemates. That at the vision of them getting Baptised!
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Banking
Today I am quite entertained with my banking.
I've been juggling the money in three of my accounts round to accommodate the large sum of rent I was expecting to go out today, only to come online and discover that it's not going out till Monday. How foolish of me to assume that a standing order a nice young man in the bank set up for me to go out of my account into my landlords on the 1st of each month wouldn't work like that! Oh no, after ringing my bank - who I have to say were very helpful but had ghastly music playing too loud when you're on hold - I discovered that this gentleman had set my standing order to be the first Monday of every month - huh?!! Ya what? Why?
On a more positive note I have discovered that shoving my overdraft (which is interest free) into my ISA has gained me almost a tenner in interest this month :) whoopee! I think that makes a grand total of about £50 if not more I've earnt on it this year. That should pay for a return train trip from York to Norwich anyway.
One thing I've yet to get my head round - although all may become clear one day, is why Amazon have take £10 less out of my account than I spent the other day? I thought I had an amazing deal anyway! I bought a netgear wireless router recommended by Tesco (since our internet account is with them) which they advertised as £100 for about £66 on Amazon with a free USB wireless adapter for £30! Bargin. Obviously delivery is free, but why have they taken £10 less out of my account?!
Actually, just looked on the email they sent me of my order and it appears that they've charged me the amount before tax. So does that mean they're gonna take the tax off me later?! Or what? Why haven't they done it together? Confused now.
I've been juggling the money in three of my accounts round to accommodate the large sum of rent I was expecting to go out today, only to come online and discover that it's not going out till Monday. How foolish of me to assume that a standing order a nice young man in the bank set up for me to go out of my account into my landlords on the 1st of each month wouldn't work like that! Oh no, after ringing my bank - who I have to say were very helpful but had ghastly music playing too loud when you're on hold - I discovered that this gentleman had set my standing order to be the first Monday of every month - huh?!! Ya what? Why?
On a more positive note I have discovered that shoving my overdraft (which is interest free) into my ISA has gained me almost a tenner in interest this month :) whoopee! I think that makes a grand total of about £50 if not more I've earnt on it this year. That should pay for a return train trip from York to Norwich anyway.
One thing I've yet to get my head round - although all may become clear one day, is why Amazon have take £10 less out of my account than I spent the other day? I thought I had an amazing deal anyway! I bought a netgear wireless router recommended by Tesco (since our internet account is with them) which they advertised as £100 for about £66 on Amazon with a free USB wireless adapter for £30! Bargin. Obviously delivery is free, but why have they taken £10 less out of my account?!
Actually, just looked on the email they sent me of my order and it appears that they've charged me the amount before tax. So does that mean they're gonna take the tax off me later?! Or what? Why haven't they done it together? Confused now.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
George and Adam's wedding
woooooooooooooooooooooowww!!
George looked absolutely gooorgeous. She was a shining white angel princess.
The wedding was cool - a mix of Jewish and Christian traditions - and we had fish and chips for the meal - awesome and random! I think I'd do that - much better than some posh meal.
It was well cool to see my friend Bek too - don't think we've seen each other for 3 months.
Train journey home today wasn't so great. For a start I'm not particularly well. I thought we were going to be late to the station but it was fine. Then discovered me train was 20 mins late so got permission to change to an earlier one. Then made a big mistake and took the slow local train from Reading to London which took an hour rather than 30mins - that left me 25 mins to get from paddington to liverpool street. Tube didn't come for 7mins and then kepts stopping in the tunnel. I resigned myself to thinking that I wouldn't get it, but arrived 2mins before my train, couldn't see it on the board, went to information, ran and found it, caught it and walked along it praising the Lord under my breath. All was great until we almost got to Chelmsford. There was a broken down train so we sat for over an hour not moving. By this point I felt really ill and wanted a hug from my mummy who's in Spain, so I rang Helsalata and cried down the phone to her and she was lovely! In the end we were only an hour and 15mins late and nana was wonderful and took me home with a picnic :)
George looked absolutely gooorgeous. She was a shining white angel princess.
The wedding was cool - a mix of Jewish and Christian traditions - and we had fish and chips for the meal - awesome and random! I think I'd do that - much better than some posh meal.
It was well cool to see my friend Bek too - don't think we've seen each other for 3 months.
Train journey home today wasn't so great. For a start I'm not particularly well. I thought we were going to be late to the station but it was fine. Then discovered me train was 20 mins late so got permission to change to an earlier one. Then made a big mistake and took the slow local train from Reading to London which took an hour rather than 30mins - that left me 25 mins to get from paddington to liverpool street. Tube didn't come for 7mins and then kepts stopping in the tunnel. I resigned myself to thinking that I wouldn't get it, but arrived 2mins before my train, couldn't see it on the board, went to information, ran and found it, caught it and walked along it praising the Lord under my breath. All was great until we almost got to Chelmsford. There was a broken down train so we sat for over an hour not moving. By this point I felt really ill and wanted a hug from my mummy who's in Spain, so I rang Helsalata and cried down the phone to her and she was lovely! In the end we were only an hour and 15mins late and nana was wonderful and took me home with a picnic :)
Soul Survivor week B
Now this was no where near as good as Momentum but it was still cool. We were tired by this point too.
On a negative note - all the talks were the same as the previous week, which was extremely disappointing. The worship was more varied generally speaking, but the young people had an annoying habit of clapping after every single song which drove us completely nuts. Mike P tried to encourage people to have a break from clapping a number of times. They did a lot of whooping too!
Another thing that wasn't so great to start with was that they boys left us and we joined a group from Oak Grove who I barely knew - so it was a bit lonely.
It was hard starting back at the beginning again. I almost wish I hadn't stayed especially as the weather was so much worse. But I didn't want to go home after Momentum, and I was ready for it after SSB!
God still did stuff, I went to the chat room and got prayed for, Lou and I had great fun making up our own actions, Emily Singleton, who is now Emily Strange joined us for a day :D I bumped into my friend Anna and there were puddles through the carpet in the big tent!
There were some lovely new songs:
Now is the Time by Delirious? and Matt Redman which I really like.
Be my everything - Tim Hughes
can't remember any more at the mo. There was one by the dave crowder band which I think might not have been new, but was new to me. If I remember any more I'll post them!
OOoo forgot to mention in the momentum post - Soul Action www.soulaction.org well worth getting involved in. I'd love to go to Durban next year and in 2009 so I'll have to save up. Hopefully they'll be of some help for Reality www.reality-norwich.com as well.
Will post photo's when I go back to york and have broadband!
On a negative note - all the talks were the same as the previous week, which was extremely disappointing. The worship was more varied generally speaking, but the young people had an annoying habit of clapping after every single song which drove us completely nuts. Mike P tried to encourage people to have a break from clapping a number of times. They did a lot of whooping too!
Another thing that wasn't so great to start with was that they boys left us and we joined a group from Oak Grove who I barely knew - so it was a bit lonely.
It was hard starting back at the beginning again. I almost wish I hadn't stayed especially as the weather was so much worse. But I didn't want to go home after Momentum, and I was ready for it after SSB!
God still did stuff, I went to the chat room and got prayed for, Lou and I had great fun making up our own actions, Emily Singleton, who is now Emily Strange joined us for a day :D I bumped into my friend Anna and there were puddles through the carpet in the big tent!
There were some lovely new songs:
Now is the Time by Delirious? and Matt Redman which I really like.
Be my everything - Tim Hughes
can't remember any more at the mo. There was one by the dave crowder band which I think might not have been new, but was new to me. If I remember any more I'll post them!
OOoo forgot to mention in the momentum post - Soul Action www.soulaction.org well worth getting involved in. I'd love to go to Durban next year and in 2009 so I'll have to save up. Hopefully they'll be of some help for Reality www.reality-norwich.com as well.
Will post photo's when I go back to york and have broadband!
Momentum
I've decided to write about each of the last few weeks in separate bits so that my brain doesn't get too carried away!
Anyway - Momentum was awesome. It's a stream of Soul Survivor (www.soulsurvivor.com/uk) for school leavers/20s and 30s. I went with Fliss, Lou, Matt, Dom and of course Keith! ;) Except they all went to Passion for your Name - the worship leaders conference - freaks! So yeah, me the loner wandered into Momentum the first night - late - cuz I had miles further to go than the rest of them and walked up and down wondering who to squeeze in next to. Then I saw someone I knew! There was a girl from uni! I didn't know her much but she had come with a group of 30 from her home church - so I adopted them for the week - yey.
The talks were good. I especially liked J.John. Ali McInnes talked about the magi and shepherds worshipping Jesus in different ways on the first night and that was really helpful. I'll blog some more when I find my notes. I liked J.John's comment that if you're running away from God, the devil always provides transportation. (With reference to Jonah). He's so funny when he talks - unfortunately I can't do an impression on here! I didn't find many seminars helpful - mind you, you're mostly so tired after your brain being filled with so much information that there's no space for seminars! I was encouraged in a uni seminar on evangelism that they were with me on not being for the legalistic style of evangelism - ie knocking on peoples' doors, but were more for the relational of actually getting alongside people. I've since found out that my CU is stopping the door knocking :) Although it does have it's place. I was told a story about this guy going along a street giving out info, and at one house he felt and urge to keep on knocking even though no one was coming to the door. Then suddenly this big, threatening looking guy came to the door, grabbed the info and slammed the door shut. The next week this guy went up the same street doing some follow up work. He had barely knocked on the big guy's door when it swung up and he said, 'You gotta see this!' and dragged him inside. This evangelist was a little scared now as he was dragged up to the attic. The big guy said, 'look see that loop of rope hanging from the ceiling with the box underneath? Last week I was standing on the box with my head in the loop when you knocked on the door. I ignored you, but you were so persistant that I thought I'd go as a couple of minutes didn't matter. I read the leaflet you gave me, knelt down at my box and gave my life to Christ.' Awesome man!
Worship was cool. We had Delirious?, Jonny Parks, Martyn Lazell, 3 people from Soul Survivor Watford who led together and often had some drummers with them who used bins from B&Q! I felt so immensely free in my worship this year - more than at Passion last year. I danced and jumped about, I danced in the spirit (it was like swimming through liquid chocolate :D) and joined 6 people in a conga line around the tent - extremely exhilirating. We all held hands and jumped - that was great. It was just so awesome to be enjoying God's presence and partying with him. I even went to the front and told all 3000 of the people there how great it was and how I used to not be able to join in so fully. I wanted to encourage people.
That'll do for now, may fill in the gaps later - feel free to ask questions
Anyway - Momentum was awesome. It's a stream of Soul Survivor (www.soulsurvivor.com/uk) for school leavers/20s and 30s. I went with Fliss, Lou, Matt, Dom and of course Keith! ;) Except they all went to Passion for your Name - the worship leaders conference - freaks! So yeah, me the loner wandered into Momentum the first night - late - cuz I had miles further to go than the rest of them and walked up and down wondering who to squeeze in next to. Then I saw someone I knew! There was a girl from uni! I didn't know her much but she had come with a group of 30 from her home church - so I adopted them for the week - yey.
The talks were good. I especially liked J.John. Ali McInnes talked about the magi and shepherds worshipping Jesus in different ways on the first night and that was really helpful. I'll blog some more when I find my notes. I liked J.John's comment that if you're running away from God, the devil always provides transportation. (With reference to Jonah). He's so funny when he talks - unfortunately I can't do an impression on here! I didn't find many seminars helpful - mind you, you're mostly so tired after your brain being filled with so much information that there's no space for seminars! I was encouraged in a uni seminar on evangelism that they were with me on not being for the legalistic style of evangelism - ie knocking on peoples' doors, but were more for the relational of actually getting alongside people. I've since found out that my CU is stopping the door knocking :) Although it does have it's place. I was told a story about this guy going along a street giving out info, and at one house he felt and urge to keep on knocking even though no one was coming to the door. Then suddenly this big, threatening looking guy came to the door, grabbed the info and slammed the door shut. The next week this guy went up the same street doing some follow up work. He had barely knocked on the big guy's door when it swung up and he said, 'You gotta see this!' and dragged him inside. This evangelist was a little scared now as he was dragged up to the attic. The big guy said, 'look see that loop of rope hanging from the ceiling with the box underneath? Last week I was standing on the box with my head in the loop when you knocked on the door. I ignored you, but you were so persistant that I thought I'd go as a couple of minutes didn't matter. I read the leaflet you gave me, knelt down at my box and gave my life to Christ.' Awesome man!
Worship was cool. We had Delirious?, Jonny Parks, Martyn Lazell, 3 people from Soul Survivor Watford who led together and often had some drummers with them who used bins from B&Q! I felt so immensely free in my worship this year - more than at Passion last year. I danced and jumped about, I danced in the spirit (it was like swimming through liquid chocolate :D) and joined 6 people in a conga line around the tent - extremely exhilirating. We all held hands and jumped - that was great. It was just so awesome to be enjoying God's presence and partying with him. I even went to the front and told all 3000 of the people there how great it was and how I used to not be able to join in so fully. I wanted to encourage people.
That'll do for now, may fill in the gaps later - feel free to ask questions
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Walking
Went for a walk around Horsford with Keith today - was nice to be in the peace and quiet.
We stopped for a picnic in the village hall playground which was nice too. Brought back memories of Nana and Grandpa's 40th wedding anniversary celebration that we had there. I think it would have been their 50th wedding anniversary this weekend...
I've been quite tired today - haven't been able to keep my eyes open much. Frustrating - but hey!
Yesterday Keith and I had a competition to see who could buy the most in Anglia Square for a fiver. I won :) It had to be more than 10p and it had to be something we could use at Passion and Momentum next week. It was such a laugh!
I have dyed my hair again. It's just darker brown. I quite like it. Means I don't have blonde streaks any more! - yey!
We stopped for a picnic in the village hall playground which was nice too. Brought back memories of Nana and Grandpa's 40th wedding anniversary celebration that we had there. I think it would have been their 50th wedding anniversary this weekend...
I've been quite tired today - haven't been able to keep my eyes open much. Frustrating - but hey!
Yesterday Keith and I had a competition to see who could buy the most in Anglia Square for a fiver. I won :) It had to be more than 10p and it had to be something we could use at Passion and Momentum next week. It was such a laugh!
I have dyed my hair again. It's just darker brown. I quite like it. Means I don't have blonde streaks any more! - yey!
Monday, August 08, 2005
Update
Well, I'm not feeling quite so sick. Drs taken me off the pill that I was on for my skin - downside is that my skin is starting to deteriorate slowly now :(
Only got about 4 hrs sleep last night due to a sore throat and don't feel much better now. I've also had intense headaches most days since I stopped me medication and I've had quite an emotional day - mostly due to tiredness and being on the edge of illness - d'oh!
On a more positive note - last day of work today :) so yey - all done for now! Now I can relax a bit.
I'm a bit apprehensive about going to Momentum next week. My mood swings have been quite excessive and I don't want it to spoil things for me. I want to have a good time and learn more about God and maybe break down some barriers.
Well looking forward to some chilled out days with Keith this week and our trip to the beach with the Tumas :)
Only got about 4 hrs sleep last night due to a sore throat and don't feel much better now. I've also had intense headaches most days since I stopped me medication and I've had quite an emotional day - mostly due to tiredness and being on the edge of illness - d'oh!
On a more positive note - last day of work today :) so yey - all done for now! Now I can relax a bit.
I'm a bit apprehensive about going to Momentum next week. My mood swings have been quite excessive and I don't want it to spoil things for me. I want to have a good time and learn more about God and maybe break down some barriers.
Well looking forward to some chilled out days with Keith this week and our trip to the beach with the Tumas :)
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Sickness
Not supposed to be on really but just popped on to renew me overdue library books (£1 fine! rudeness!)
Anyway, I just wanted to blog some of my frustration.
Basically I feel sick. For as long as I can remember I've always felt sick when I'm hungry or tired, but at the moment I'm feeling sick most of the time and eating doesn't help. In fact it's now got to the point of preventing me from eating properly.
I'm also tired all the time. I just have no energy. Sometimes I can do stuff, sometimes I just completely flop and can't keep me eyes open.
It's just so frustrating - I want to do stuff but I can't.
Hopefully going to the drs this week, but in the meantime - prayer is much appreciated.
Anyway, I just wanted to blog some of my frustration.
Basically I feel sick. For as long as I can remember I've always felt sick when I'm hungry or tired, but at the moment I'm feeling sick most of the time and eating doesn't help. In fact it's now got to the point of preventing me from eating properly.
I'm also tired all the time. I just have no energy. Sometimes I can do stuff, sometimes I just completely flop and can't keep me eyes open.
It's just so frustrating - I want to do stuff but I can't.
Hopefully going to the drs this week, but in the meantime - prayer is much appreciated.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Soul in the City
Just some ponderings.
Almost this time a year ago we were in London, some of us in Hackney, working for the community as part of Soul in the City.
If this bombing stuff had happened last year, would we have still been there? Would we have still gone?
Are people we met ok? Have they been caught up in stuff?
Almost this time a year ago we were in London, some of us in Hackney, working for the community as part of Soul in the City.
If this bombing stuff had happened last year, would we have still been there? Would we have still gone?
Are people we met ok? Have they been caught up in stuff?
Monday, July 25, 2005
Awesome
Went to Proclaimers evening service 'Awesome' last night.
Just gonna blog 5 good points and 5 bad points for now
Good:
Just gonna blog 5 good points and 5 bad points for now
Good:
- I liked the length of the songs and the way they did repeats. They didn't just sing the same song over and over again
- I liked the video style notices and info giving that they filmed and showed
- I was impressed by everyone's friendliness
- The Bible was used
- It was good to see lots of young people worshipping God
Not so good:
- I felt that they were a little full of themselves and talked about themselves and how wonderful they are too much
- I hate Hillsongs!
- The talk wasn't particuarly strong. Had some good points but was very bitty and I couldn't see where it was going and came away quite confused!
- It was a bit overwhelming - didn't quite know what we were supposed to do in going from the meeting area at the beginning into the main bit.
- Man they pressure people to respond - I'm torn as to whether that's good or bad - can be both I guess
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Memories
Tonight I went to pick up my sister from her school trip to Yorkshire.
It brought back memories of the 3 similar trips on went on with school.
I was very surprised by the teachers reactions to me. One, whom I used to play practical jokes on, turned round and gave me the most massive hug exclaiming how great it was to see me. They all seemed so genuinely pleased to see me. I was kinda taken aback. I thought they'd have moved on and be too busy sorting out all the young people they'd just been away with, but no! They were interested in stopping, chatting, hugging and finding out how I was.
Maybe people do like me?! ;)
It brought back memories of the 3 similar trips on went on with school.
I was very surprised by the teachers reactions to me. One, whom I used to play practical jokes on, turned round and gave me the most massive hug exclaiming how great it was to see me. They all seemed so genuinely pleased to see me. I was kinda taken aback. I thought they'd have moved on and be too busy sorting out all the young people they'd just been away with, but no! They were interested in stopping, chatting, hugging and finding out how I was.
Maybe people do like me?! ;)
Monday, July 18, 2005
Meditation
Tonight I went to the Monday night meditation group at St Augustine's after comments from Heather's blog (sorry - haven't got time to figure out links!). I was very apprehensive in going since I didn't know anyone and wasn't really sure where I was going!
Anyway, there were about 10 people and they were all very welcoming - one intent on telling me she'd been to NCBC for 20 years. I restrained myself from telling her that it's only been 'alive' 2 years, and if we're including the churches beforehand then I've been there 20 years too! Lol - makes me laugh. She didn't recognise me, although I recognised her.
We moved on quite quickly to getting started after a brief introduction and listenined to a tape with some guy called John talking about faith. I can't remember much about that as I struggled to switch off the busy day I've had. A guy then quickly explained what we were gonna do and the role of the mantra. We then listened to a few minutes of music followed by 20/5 mins of silence and then a bit more music.
For the first 10 minutes I managed to keep saying the mantra (ma-ra-na-tha or something - supposedly meaning come God) and got quite into it. Although it felt very intense and I had an imense pressure on my chest and head. I thought that was me trying to concentrate but it wasn't. I felt that I need to give some things over to God, so I did, but then got really really hot and felt sick and light-headed so I had to pull back. For the rest of the quiet time I was just jiffily waiting for the time to end. I wanted to go home and put me head down!
It all felt very strange. I didn't slip into it as easily as the times I've done reflective stuff before like when Heather did stuff at Fridays or on conferences I've been to. Maybe with practice it'll become easier. I just like the way it has potential to bring focus when my head is so usually all over the place.
We also talked a bit about 24/7 which was cool as I was able to fill them in a bit. I felt quiet but confident with them which was nice. A little scared to go again, but I'd like to. I wonder if they'd mind me lying on the floor, or is it important to sit on a chair with a straight back and feet flat?
Anyway, there were about 10 people and they were all very welcoming - one intent on telling me she'd been to NCBC for 20 years. I restrained myself from telling her that it's only been 'alive' 2 years, and if we're including the churches beforehand then I've been there 20 years too! Lol - makes me laugh. She didn't recognise me, although I recognised her.
We moved on quite quickly to getting started after a brief introduction and listenined to a tape with some guy called John talking about faith. I can't remember much about that as I struggled to switch off the busy day I've had. A guy then quickly explained what we were gonna do and the role of the mantra. We then listened to a few minutes of music followed by 20/5 mins of silence and then a bit more music.
For the first 10 minutes I managed to keep saying the mantra (ma-ra-na-tha or something - supposedly meaning come God) and got quite into it. Although it felt very intense and I had an imense pressure on my chest and head. I thought that was me trying to concentrate but it wasn't. I felt that I need to give some things over to God, so I did, but then got really really hot and felt sick and light-headed so I had to pull back. For the rest of the quiet time I was just jiffily waiting for the time to end. I wanted to go home and put me head down!
It all felt very strange. I didn't slip into it as easily as the times I've done reflective stuff before like when Heather did stuff at Fridays or on conferences I've been to. Maybe with practice it'll become easier. I just like the way it has potential to bring focus when my head is so usually all over the place.
We also talked a bit about 24/7 which was cool as I was able to fill them in a bit. I felt quiet but confident with them which was nice. A little scared to go again, but I'd like to. I wonder if they'd mind me lying on the floor, or is it important to sit on a chair with a straight back and feet flat?
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
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