Days off are great!!! Just thought you’d all like to know. This morning I couldn’t sleep in (been used to getting up early for work and whatnot) and so took Max for a walk about 6.30.

It’s surprising how many people are out and about at this time: some running, some taking their kids out, one man fishing (I don’t know what he was thinking of catching at Myall Creek! Max found a pig’s head in there a few months ago- ew!)…But, it’s also Australia Day and so people were heading out to the Breakfast in the Park.

I came home and spent time praying and reading the Bible. Read in 2 Samuel about how the Israelite army fled from the Philistines- all except Shammah- a brave warrior, who “made a stand in the middle of that area. He defended it and defeated the Philistines; the LORD gave them a great victory.” – 2 Sam. 23:12.
Everyone else in the army deserted him, but Shammah stood firm. I thought that was cool. I need to be like that- not be afraid of opposition, but stand firm in the Lord.

Karl and I went out to the markets where the Aus. Day Breakfast was (in Thomas Jack Park)…talk about boring! haha. We were there for less than 5 mins. There were different stalls: strange clothes, woodwork, army reserve stuff, a jewelery stand, and a plant nursery stand thing. There was also a band playing and plenty of tables and chairs. Okay, typing this makes me think there was lots to see. But, we weren’t very interested in looking at these things- so we drove around town for a bit and then went home.

The washing machine is going, I’ve just finished sipping my Dilmah tea, and Karl is working on some Tafe stuff. I tried enrolling in my subjects for this year, but it’s become complicated due to course codes changing (it seems) and Bach of Ed (Early Childhood) isn’t offered anymore so it makes it more difficult for us continuing students. But- I don’t have to be too concerned- ’cause I’ve emailed the Student Education Support lady whose been helping me with uni related stuff ever since I started in first year (she’s great).

Well, this is my day so far. I’ve been working quite a bit lately so it is nice to feel like I’m having a proper “Saturday.” Thank You to God for days of rest!

Is it just me or has this year gone quite fast? It feels like it.
Work
This year I have had 3 paid jobs: Subway, a day care and now Big W- all good experience in the end, I’m sure:). Perhaps I would be called uncommited for jumping jobs, but I had my reasons for each one (subway- gluten intolerant; day care: no rostered hours; Big W: I get rostered hours:))
Uni
I have also finished third year of uni!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow!!! Only one more year to go and then I am a teacher, God willing!!!
While I was working at the cash registers on Saturday I heard a little girl’s voice say “There’s Mrs Back, my teacher!” I turned around and saw a little girl who I remember from my last prac. It’s nice she remembers me:).
Health
In terms of health and social life- this year has been so much better! Yes, I struggled with my health this year- but finally have answers (not from doctors though) and a way to get better:)!! It’s great to be pretty much well again!!! I believe God can use my stuggles with health to help me be more aware, prayerful and empathetic towards others who face various health issues.

There is so much hurt and frustration when you’re not well. I remember being in bed last year and earlier this year crying out to God “What’s wrong with me? Why am I not well?” Being sick stopped me from building friendships with people as well as stopping me from working. We so easily take health for granted…until we become quite sick ourselves. Also, being sick is expensive. This past year (and last?), I travelled to Gympie almost every week to see a naturopath until I learnt an acupuncutrist from Toowoomba came to Dalby every Thursday; I saw various doctors; bought various medicines. It all adds up. But then, we had the money- and just think, many, many people in the world who are real sick can’t afford to go to doctors; can’t afford to buy herbs that help; can’t afford clean water and healthy food.

My amazing husband

Thinking also of this year brings me to thinking about my husband- the one I shared the year with and the one I can so often take for granted- forgetting to appreciate him.
He has supported me through hard times (especially in being sick) and been willing to buy clean water to help; herbs to help; and other medicines. He has talked with me, hung out with me, often enjoyed a “companionable silence” (had to use that quote from a book I recently read ’cause I like it) with me when we both read quietly to ourselves in the loungeroom; rejoiced with me about uni stuff; listened to my frustrations, doubts and fears; prayed with me; fixed stuff; been patient with me;  picks me flowers; puts up with me; talks through things, and forgives me. Yep, Karl is a huge, major, fantastic blessing from God! I greatly, greatly respect him.

God
Thinking of how great Karl is brings me  to my Creator, Saviour, King: Jesus. Karl is human and is not perfect. So, God is even greater. He has been so so so very faithful to me. He wants me to throw my concerns onto Him and so I do (I do forget though and worry and all that); He wants me to pour our my heart to Him- and so I should and try to do. He listens, cares, protects, forgives- o! how much He forgives me!!! He is faithful to me in the big things as well as the little things. He is so very patient with me.
I’ve been realising more that I need to pray more and really grow in Him.
I’ve been convicted about being a lukewarm Christian ever since I read Revelation this year. I want to be “extreme” for God; full on.

Well, this is a lot of reflecting on the year 2009. Congratulations if you’ve made it this far in reading!

It’s a free week…well free of prac until next week. Blah. Not that prac is bad, it’s just the getting up real early and planning lessons and doing all the uni required stuff I got to do morning and night which gets exhausting. But, it’s only 2 weeks and then uni hols once I submit my prac folder assignment.

I spent this morning looking after my niece, Rachael:). She’s 5 months now and has a beautiful smile:). She had a play, a sleep, some mashed banana (yum yum) and then Mummy came about 11.30am so then she went home. It was fun and a bit tiring, but fun:). I was a bit concerned about Shelley (our cat). I don’t think Shelley has ever seen a baby so close. When Rachael was sleeping in her portable cot, Shelley had a sniff around and then ran away- haha! But, I kept an eye on our cat ’cause I don’t want her scratching Rach or sitting on her!

So, anyways- I better get into study for an exam tomoz. Fortunately it’s only worth 30%, but still- I want to do well. This must be a boring update for everyone, ah well.:P

 

Surrender. It’s something I’ve been thinking about since last night. You see, I have this huge desire/passion to go overseas and teach in a small village school somewhere while also being involved in an orphanage. This is the reason I chose to study Bachelor of Ed (Early Childhood). But, what if this desire is not from God? What if I just have some romanticised view of “overseas mission work”? What if my passion is all for nothing?
I get excited when I read about Compassion, when I hear of people working in Christian orphanages, when I hear of children being taught about Jesus.
What if God wants Karl and I in Australia? Why do I have such a huge desire to go? Is it in the wrong place? Shoudn’t this passion be just to serve Him wherever, all the time rather than looking forward to something that may not happen?
I get very excited and my face lights up when I dream of going overseas. I need to think of the hard work, I need to be more down to earth- it won’t all be romantic.

But still, I want to go.

 I want to live in a small village. But, what if when we get there, I am no longer excited? What if this passion is just my own? Not God’s?
Okay, so these are the concerns I have. I’ve been giving them to God. But, I still want to keep holding them close – I want to keep dreaming. But, I need for my dream to be what God wants – no matter what.

I guess I’m thinking about all this as Karl and I recently met missionaries from Thailand. They’re building a children’s home for girls and his wife used to teach children about Jesus – she used to work for Compassion (before they had a little boy). O, how much I want to be involved in work like that! But, in the mean time- I just need to serve God where I am now and pray about the future…He knows my desires, I need to surrender them to Him (but, I don’t want to lose this passion).

My holidays weren’t that much of a break as I worked on assignments…but I still had some rest.

Early last week I drove to Brisbane to see my Mum who had flown from Darwin- was so nice to see her and have coffee together, and just catch up and do some shopping. It was my first time driving to Brisbane by myself and I got lost a few times- even with my parent in-laws’ GPS (haha, Kim once said I’d get lost even with a GPS and I proved him right..unintentionally). I was nervous in the big city traffic- trying to find the airport – was fine along highways and stuff, but the inner city- oh man, it got a bit difficult when signs to the airport were not up around there. Then, I missed Airport Drive and I parked in Longterm parking when I should’ve parked in short-term. Ah well, I can learn and improve.

Near the end of last week I completed and submitted an assignment and on the weekend went to the Bunyas with some friends. One of our crazy friends climbed a very large tree and fortunately, after some time- he was able to get down. We went on a long walk at the Bunyas and had a good talk at Maccas about the Bible and stuff. Two older ladies nearby listened in…told us to talk louder so they could hear, haha! Unsure where they stand with Jesus.

I took Max for a walk yesterday morning and I went the usual way back on our return (along the creek – big grassy area), not expecting anything to happen. Max was about 10 metres ahead of me and he encountered a snake. I looked and saw this big black snake trying to strike at him! It was huge from where I could see! Its amazing how high they can lift their bodies to strike! I yelled at Max to come to me, and thank You to God – my curious dog tore himself away and ran to me. Perhaps he knew I was serious and/or detected fear in my voice?
I’m so glad he didn’t get bitten (he was quite close to the snake) and I think I’ll stick to the path during these warmer months. The grassy area I was on was not long, it had recently been mowed..but this didn’t stop the snake. from being there.
Earlier in our walk, Max also tried catching a frill-necked lizard, but it climbed up a tree- much to Max’s dismay, haha.
Despite the snake encounter, it was a nice walk. I enjoyed thinking about how Max is so excited and uses all his senses to explore the world around him. It led me to thinking that I want to be the same in my relationship with Jesus: open to new discoveries, excited about what He provides and what comes my way, what i can learn, using all my senses to praise Him and learn and be in wonder and awe of Him. I thought this as I watched my dog excitedly run along the grass, splash into the creek and sniff all sorts of things.

I’m looking for a new job (yet again) as day care haven’t called me up much, and I’d like rostered hours rather than being called at random. So, I’ve applied for a couple of job as BIg W, put my resume in at Target and Coles. I shall put my resume in other places too. Its difficult, I’m so shy and feel so vulnerable putting resumes in and asking if there’s any work available. But, God is with me and has a plan. He’ll place me where He wants me.

I start prac in less than 2 weeks. I’ll be doing my prac at the local Catholic school. I have 2 pracs to complete this semester (both at the Catholic school) due to not receiving my renewed blue card in time last semester. So, I’m trying to get a huge headstart on my assignments due during October and November. Two subjects I’m doing require doing a unit plan…my course is real into unit plans..but since teachers do them in real life, I better get used to it.
For my Literacy unit plan, I was planning on doing a unit on Photo Literacy…but haven’t found many resources for children which is a huge shame ’cause I was all excited about it and have researched quite a bit on it! Konrad..if you read this- any ideas??? My other unit plan is for Maths Teaching..haven’t decided what topic I want to choose yet.

So, I better start doing uni work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See the guy at the top of the tree?

It should be mid-semester break for me…well, it is. And, here I am sitting here and doing nothing. But, I should be working on assignments…then again, can I have a break? But, I don’t want to have to cram in assignments when the break is over…plus, I’ve got to study for an exam!! yeah, I know…an exam! I haven’t sat an exam since first year of uni. I much prefer assignments.

Anyway, so my weekend: Saturday we actually didn’t do much- which is a nice change, considering the past two weekends we were busy (we moved house a fortnight ago, and last weekend was a wedding, church and hanging out with some family). Sunday Karl and I went on a date to the Bunyas. Was fun! We snapped lots of photos and made a video which I don’t think Kristan will appreciate….will explain: We made a “how to make tea” video…but not in the way Kristan nicely wrote about in his blog. hehehe.:)

It was good to spend time with Karl and chat about God, Bible study, and a lot of other stuff. We need to go out more together:). We get so busy doing lots of other things that we become so tired and drained to just go out for a drive to just relax and enjoy each other’s company. So, we didn’t go to church on Sunday- and at first, I thought it wasn’t right. But, now I see the wisdom in my husband’s idea to just rest and to stop pushing ourselves when we are already tired and drained enough from the past few weeks of busy-ness.  I respect Karl.

Being in the new house is nice- although, there’s still some things that need unpacking and settin up (e.g. the spare bedroom)- but they can wait.

I’ve been reading through the book of Hebrews and being reminded of how great God’s love is for us that He sent Jesus and how Jesus washes me clean- not outwardly (like the people before Jesus were only outwardly clean with the sprinkling of blood), but inwardly- my conscience- everything. He’s amazing.
“…he entered once for all into the most holy place not by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood, and so he himself secured eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12, NET).

Moved over the weekend- yay! Had some friends help us which was very good:)…the new house is still a mess though..but you get that with moving.

Yesterday I spent the whole day cleaning the Alfred st house. Karl came after work to mow the lawn and burn the weeds (he’s a great man) and when I was making dinner (he worked longer than me) he spent time talking with me ’cause he wanted to .

Today I’m mega tired (woke up a few times during the night- don’t know why- perhaps ’cause didn’t have a ‘downtime’ before going to bed, have been on the go a  lot).
 Woke  at 3am ’cause Max kept barking at some white cats running around the yard..glad it wasn’t any freaky people trying to break in – which is what I initially thought, especially since we’re on a corner block.

Our home phone number is the same and is connected, waiting for the internet to work now. I’m now in the library. Just worked at the kindy – good to finish early. Glad I’m getting some work ’cause I haven’t been called up for awhile:), thank You God.

Anyway, this entry isn’t very informative ’cause I’m hungry and tired. Tis been a crazy past few days: packing, cleaning, and getting 3 assignments done before the due date.

Will write a proper post in the near future, God willing. I’m at the library. yikes, this is a strange post – need rest.

Hmmm..so what has happened that I can update you’ll on? I’ll put my information in categories that I’m mainly asked about by people. You can read all, or just go to whatever you want to know:

Uni
I should be doing some more uni work, but just listened to a long lecture about mathematics teaching (& I actually concentrated and found it somewhat interesting!!! goodbye to maths anxiety- well, I’ll be working on it:p). I want to be an effective teacher who teaches maths properly and well so children don’t miss out on a lot of important maths stuff I missed out on. I lack confidence with that dreaded subject and suffer from ‘maths anxiety’…it seems a lot of people do! But, like my science subject from last semester…perhaps I’ll enjoy doing the assignments?:) Enjoyed planning a unit of work on whales for a science subject last semester. haha, I’m a nerd:P.
I’m updating my blog now as am frustrated with my ‘English Curriculum and Pedagogy’ subject which has set 2 assignments almost exact to my ‘Language and Literacy Pedagogy’ subject done last semester!!! I posted a thing on the online forum for that subject about it…wondering whether I’m meant to be doing that subject?? tis crazy to have the almost exact assignment under a different subject name! Anyways, enough venting about that.
I’m enjoyed studying my ‘Indigenous Perspectives’ subject:) – it’s opening my eyes to that fact that I have a racist attitude Aboriginal Australians- so been praying a little about this. I am not more superior than any other race- I need to be humbled. Jesus died for each and every person.
I’m finding ‘Families & Society’ alright.
I have 2 pracs to do this semester since I didn’t do prac last semester (due to blue card renewal taking so long). But, it’s a blessing in disguise since I was pretty sick last semester.

Work
I’ve quit Subway. Enjoying working as relief at Dalby Day Care and Stuart Street Kindergarten. There’s an assistant job going at Stuart St Kindy for 3 days a week (assistant will be on maternity leave soon)…but I’m not entirely sure whether to go for it due to uni prac. I talked a bit about it with the Kindy teacher today – and she said maybe I could organise something with my uni. We’ll see.

Health
Yep, I’ve just gotten over the flu..good to feel better again:). I’m still going to acupuncture and able to do things each day:). I’ve lowered carbohydrates and am on a high-protein diet still. Taking lots of garlic, lavender tablets, walks and want to join a sports team.
Just rang up the PCYC about basketball, they have 2 mixed teams (they’re full), but want to start another team and so will call me back when they get more info. I just wanted a women’s basketball team. Maybe I’ll ring up the soccer people then and see if something is going?
I disinfected door handles, phone, and other items and furniture in our house last week- should do it weekly. Yeah, been researching a bit about living more healthily.

Church, Bible Study, social life

Our church is still big, we need to work on welcoming more. Karl and I are thinking about going to Wooribinda this year . 
Our church is holding an evangelical week-long event called Pulse. Not too sure what to think about it, but glad there’s a passion for missions.
I’m praying for my passion for missions to return…I guess I’ve lost it and it bothers me. I know we aren’t to base things on feelings, but still. I need to pray more. And, want to go to Woori to get this back and to experience the culture again and – yeah, I’m excited thinking about it!!! And, it’ll be Karl’s first time there- I’m sure the kids will love him. He’s wonderful!

Social life is improving. New couple from Brisvegas are lovely. We’re helping them move house on Saturday. We hung out with them and another new lovely family (funny how new people stick together..perhaps ’cause we know what it’s like to be new???) on Sunday.

Karl’s 22nd Birthday has come and gone..poor man was sick with the flu on his B’day. We’ll be having a Birthday bonfire next Saturday for him:). Mark and he used a chainsaw last Friday (on Karl’s RDO) to cut down a tree for the bonfire:).
We’ve been enjoying listening to the band Stellar Kart:). I bought Karl a CD of theirs for his B’day.

Home group is going well. We’re feeling more comfortable with each other and enjoy each other’s company. We’ve started studying 1 Thessalonians- tis going well. Learnt about verse 3- how work and labour are different, you can demonstrate your work through labor – just like you can demonstrate your faith through love:). My husband is intelligent and a great leader:D!

Anyways, there’s my life for now.

I am not very imaginative with my post titles, but oh well. It is a delicious sunny Monday and the sky is a brilliant blue. Perhaps what makes me enjoy this day the most is that there are no uni assignments hanging over my head and that I am not working today.

I just enjoyed some curry (leftovers from last week) and am about to sip my Rooibus tea while updating this blog and replying to emails. I would like to be outside in the backyard though…but, do not feel there is much privacy to just sit out there because there are builders next door. Since the end of last year (I think it was) three squishy units have been built up next door to us- on land the same size as ours.

We are becoming more acquainted with a new couple who have recently moved from Brisbane and are now in our home group. Saturday night we had them over for dinner which was good.

After church on Sunday a bunch of us went out to Jimbour House. It is still large and expensive in appearance. But, there is something about seeing some places too much and not being as awed as one was when the place was initially seen. I remember Karl and I went out there on our second outing of “being friends” in 2007 (haha:)) and I was amazed with the property, likening it to houses in the BBC movie Pride & Prejudice. Anyway, I hope eternal life won’t be like that (i.e. the awe I have will fade once being there for awhile). In fact, it won’t. There will always be that feeling of amazement and worship- for, it is God we will be with – not just looking at some grand house. Angels are still worshipping Jesus. It will be amazing and I will always be in awe of God when I am with Him forever.

 We went inside the old small church building near Jimbour House- it must have been Catholic- strange window paintings of “matyrs” with weird titles. One window painting depicted a woman holding a church building in one hand, and holding out her other hand in a stop type of sign. Her expression was most interesting. One of the guys from church, summed it up well, basically stating: “She looks like she is saying: “Do I have to hold this?” 

 I have been working quite a lot at Dalby Day Care and am enjoying it – mainly. Sometimes it can be difficult when supervising several children while holding one who is missing “mummy,” then putting him down to comfort another one – and the one I just put down begins crying again. But, I love children and believe God gave me a love for children for a reason.

Last week I was wondering and imagining a little bit about how Jesus interacted with children. What did He do with them? I wonder what stories He told them? Whether any misbehaved near him or whether they were in such awe of Him that misbehaving was out of their thoughts? I wonder what He played with Him? How did He show them love? Did He just sit and be quiet with them? Did they feel brave around Him?
I want Jesus to shine through me to the children. I want to love them as He does, to tell them about Him.

Last Thursday was a good day. I was able to see my good friend Amy. She was down from Emerald because of school holidays. She is very sweet- she gave me an avocado (which Karl and I enjoyed with corn crackers and chicken on Saturday) because she knew I could at least eat that:). My sister-in-law, Heather, also came over to my place with her baby girl, Rachael (my niece:)) and so we all got to catch up which was great. Amy then had to go out to see other people with her husband; and so Heather and I went shopping with Rachael (she’s 6 weeks old now) and had lunch with Jo (my bro-in-law) afterwards.

Well, my tea has finished. Time for replying to an email now.

It’s the seventh month of the year, soon it will be 2010 (God willing). The year is going quickly and I am selfish. I want a year where I don’t have sickness…okay, I suppose I’m feeling a little miserable due to the fact that I have a cold and have been inside all day (except to hang out the wash and throw balls for Max, the dog). If I was 100%, I would be out camping with Karl and others from church. But, I should be glad my stomach pains have subsided A LOT since the beginning of the year.

Had a bad day this week- part of it involved accidentally scratching a car (and later found out it was owned by the police!) when I parked in the Maccas carpark (was about to catch up with a girl I hadn’t seen in years). ugh. But, I’m sure others have much worse days – so I shouldn’t complain…I just don’t want to park at Maccas again. I don’t know why I did- I usually avoid it ’cause it’s so squishy, but decided to be “brave” and park there. sigh.

On a positive note, I have a new job working as a casual at the local day care centre and am getting enough work (worked yesterday and have two shifts next week:)). The staff are friendly and  the children are cute, thank You God.  When I come home, I don’t feel as tired as I did when I worked at Subway- yay! Perhaps also because I’m not constantly breathing in bread and touching bread- my breathing has also improved too (got wheezy when at Subway- something got to do with being Celiac ).

Anyway, I’m going to take Max for a walk and try and boost this immune system with more vitamins.