300th post!

To celebrate Ben's mum's birthday, we went out for a late breakfast/brunch at Bills in Darlinghurst. The trip there was rather eventful, seeing as we err.. took the scenic route via Paddington *cough cough* but yes managed to find our way and even grab an excellent parking spot just opposite.



The atmosphere was very casual, I liked the decor of the place very much. It was quite busy but people grouped around the one large table in the middle reading newspapers lent to the relaxed feel.



The service was okay - not great, but not too bad. I think they could've done with another waiter though... at least the drinks came fairly quickly.



But finally when the meals did arrive - they were delicious! I especially liked the corn fritter - having never tried them before, the combination of sweet corn with the crunchy coating was exceptional. (I did shudder however, at the thought of how much butter I was consuming)



The eggs were different - its funny how you can actually tell when its organic. But I think this was a bit overpriced. It was good, but I don't see a need to eat it again in a hurry.



But I really liked the hotcakes. Especially the honeycomb butter which really added to the taste! And its quite filling so I'd recommend sharing this one among a few people.



All up, I'd rate it 7.5/10 but don't go there too often otherwise you'll become obese and poor. But once a year is good =)

KYLC 2007 - Strong and Courageous

5 days of intense Bible talks, challenging workshops and being trained up for leadership ie learning to faithfully write Bible Studies/talks is at the heart of what Katoomba Youth Leadership Conference is all about.

This year the talks were on Joshua (morning) and Titus (evening) and I was in Strand 2 which deals with Biblical Theology - looking at how the Bible is in fact, one story which all points to Christ.



The best thing about these sort of conferences I find is the constant immersion in God's Word, the joy and fellowship with other Christians and meeting new people, encouraging and being encouraged in all our respective ministries.



Not to mention the great memories and laughs along the way =D



Oh and the 2.5 hours of free time each day!



What better way to spend 5 days of the holidays than with a bunch of like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ who all love our Lord Jesus and want to serve Him and each other!



There's no doubt everybody takes away something of worth, some wisdom or insight or challenge that will impact their life and help them to grow in Christ.



So, if you haven't been to KYLC - what are you waiting for?? KYLC 2008 - be there!

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

Rest of the photos [HERE]

my happy belated SURPRISE birthday

Susie + Valerie

THANKYOU so much to everyone who helped out, came, and kept it all secret from me!! =D Today was such a great day - with good food, good company and the blessed invention known as air-conditioning. But seriously, my 18th is one I will never ever forget and I am truly honoured and deeply humbled to have so many fabulous people I get to call friends.


In fact, there was so much food I don't think I'll need to eat again until KYLC on monday! For the BBQ there were frankfurt sausages and chicken wings (brushed with honey), salad, pasta, bread, fruit salad and the list goes on.


Then there was watermelon for fruit, and apple pie with icecream for dessert. And then egg tarts AND THEN cake! It was like one of those ads where the guy keeps saying "but WAIT! there's MORE!"

And thanks for all the pressies and for all signing the card - did I mention I love handwritten messages?? ahh my boyfriend knows me well =D

I was also really glad that all my different groups of friends were able to meet each other!

Ash, Kelly, Valerie, Shaz, Karin, Helen


Big Joey, Jeff, Valerie


Top: Dave, Andrew, Jono, Sam, Jay, Ben, Chris
Bottom: Gloria, Jess, Ash, Selena, Valerie, Mel



OHH and to top off the perfect day - I got my Green Ps!! woohoo!

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

A marvellous promise - one that though I am terrified, I am discouraged; I can look up and find my strength in God for He promises to be with me wherever I go (including "areas of need")

A test of faith whether I truly believe that God works in all things for my good, whether I can trust him enough to seriously lay down my life at his feet, to say "Not my will, but yours be done". And it's ohh so hard... but I remember God's love, his self-sacrificial love shown through Christ, his unfailing love and eternal promises and I take one step forward, in faith.

It looks like a long and difficult path... but I know I am not alone, and that God has equipped me and provided me with everything and everyone I need to make it. I am not alone.

For this God is our God for ever and ever;
he will be our guide even to the end.
Ps 48:14

Amen!

word of the day

foofaraw \FOO-fuh-raw\, noun:
1. Excessive or flashy ornamentation or decoration.
2. A fuss over a matter of little importance.

A somber, muted descending motif opens and closes the work, which is brief but effective. It provided much needed relief from the fanfares and foofaraw in which brass-going composers so often indulge.-- Philip Kennicott, "Brass Spectacular is a Spectacle of Special Sound", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 17, 1997

After working in the news business for a number of years, I've become a bit cynical about mass-media coverage of events like the Y2K foofaraw.
-- Roy Clancy, "Ready for Y2K...", Calgary Sun, December 15, 1999

Making the Times best-seller list, or a movie, or all that other foofaraw is not necessarily proof of [a novel's] lasting significance.
-- Roger K. Miller, "Peyton Place' was remarkably good bad novel", Minneapolis Star Tribune, December 29, 1996

Unfortunately I don't think the decision over uni offers can be defined as a foofaraw. Because in my case, it is a matter of GREAT importance - one that will affect me for many years to come.

*sigh*

one month anniversary (almost)

What a beautiful day it was today! We went to Bondi and ended up doing to Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk (the opposite way to last time we walked it for Sculptures by the Sea) and luckily we went quite early in the morning so the beach wasn't all crowded like it usually is!

By the time we got hungry, we had headed back towards Bondi Junction, but finding nowhere nice to eat at Westfields, we wandered down to the Oxford Street Mall, and spotted a little cafe called The Zoo.

Its website boasts "quality food and excellent coffee. It's speedy service from an alert team ensures a satisfying meal-time experience." Which I do agree with! Well, we didn't end up having coffee, but the food was very good and came out very very quickly =D

Atmosphere was quite good too, probably sitting outside would have been nicer, but I steer clear of sitting outside coz there's ALWAYS someone smoking =.=
A little pricey, but that was expected seeing as we were in Bondi... so altogether I'd rate it 8/10


I ordered the Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel - $9.99
It looks small, but its actually quite filling.


Ben had the Chargrill Chicken with Avocado, Tomato & Lettuce on a French Baguette also $9.99
This time the serving was huge!


And we shared the garlic bread ($2.50) which I really liked; toasted turkish bread is particularly yummy!

Afterwards we headed back to his place where I was unsuccessfully trying to take good photos of Joey... most of them ended up being really blurry; and he looks like he's different colours coz of the different lighting...



All in all, a very relaxing day, made all the more special because of the company. A very generous company, I should add! Thanks =)

Back from Cowra!! *waves* Helloo Sydney =D

Wow.
How to sum up 10 incredible days of mission in ONE post: it's impossible!
But I'll try my best...

Cowra Summer Breakout - it was the most full-on experience I've ever had. It was a time of many 'firsts' including first time in Children's Ministry, first time writing and giving a talk, first time doing Visitation... but wow.. I learnt sooo much and have soo many wonderful memories and experiences to look back on.

The Section Time was soo energy-draining, but even more rewarding, especially when by the end of the week, my little kindy girls recognised me and even smiled back! I found it quite hard at first to talk to them and try to get them to talk back - but praise God it became a lot easier as the week went on and it was just so great to see them really enjoying the program and learning heaps about Jesus.


Playing games with the kids

Concert Time did a great job with introducing the theme/key idea of the day and we (JBs) followed it through with games, skits, stories, songs and craft. I don't think I'll EVER forget the lyrics to 'If I was a butterfly' seeing as we sang it everyday... but yes, it was so awesome - especially with on average about 50 kids coming each day =D


Concert Time - Lost in the Jungle

What was also great was the fellowship and team bonding. Though there wasn't much free time seeing as we were always preparing for sections during the evening, any time we did have just to hang out and have a frozen coke (haha) was so enjoyable. It was such a privilege to be part of a team of passionate, Christ-like, and loving Christians who encouraged and served each other even though we were all very tired and hot.


Kool Kidz - Tammy, Tiff (HAPPY BDAY!!), Levina


Can you believe that's Smak in a SKIRT?! oh and I never ever want to see Justin belly-dancing EVER again...

Another fantastic thing about mission was the daily Bible talks as well as having the opportunity to give a talk and have the support of others through prayer groups. It was just so refreshing to be constantly immersed in God's Word, praying with and for each other, and praising Him through songs. Surely it was a taste of heaven =)


Our fabulous musos!

Finally just want to say Thanks to my section - Jumping Beans - you guys worked tirelessly and selflessly, bringing glory to God through your continuing patience and love for the kids, and being so encouraging to me especially as it was my first year of mission.


Top: Ka-shu, Gloria, Chris. Bottom: Jane, Mel, Valerie, Kathleen, Julie

rest of the photos HERE!

So...COME TO COWRA NEXT YEAR!!! You will definitely NOT regret it. I promise you!

back in 10...!

10 minutes? 10 hours?

Nope, I'll be gone for the next 10 days on Cowra Summer Breakout - beach mission, without the beach.

Where is Cowra I hear you ask? Well its about 283km SW of Sydney which equates to approximately 3.5 hours driving not counting traffic and lights. ie: the Kingdom of Far, Far Away =P

But seriously, it's a long way and I hope you'll help to pray for all the drivers and passengers that they can arrive (and leave) safely; as well as that the team can stay healthy and energised throughout the mission.

For myself there's a few things I want to achieve:

• Opportunity to be trained up and get a taste of mission eg doing talks and going door-knocking, respectively.
• Be part of a team of dedicated, passionate Christians whose aim is to glorify God --> so pulling my weight in helping out and serving my brothers and sisters in Christ, even if I'm tired or hungry etc.
• Grow in my relationship with God through being refreshed in His Word and grow in relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ through fellowship.
• Present the gospel faithfully not only through my words, but through my life. In doing so, to witness to non-Christians and to be an encouragement to fellow Christians.
  

On a sidenote:
Guess what milestone it is today???? =D

UNSW Info Day

It's always nice to visit UNSW - I'm finally managing to find my way around without needing a map. At least, being slightly more confident than last time. All I have to do now is find the shortcuts =P

It was a lot quieter than open day last year September but that's expected when other unis all have their open days at the same time - increases the competition.

I only ended up going to the Med Lecture, and I gotta say I think all the lecturers are told to use scare tactics - probably to make those who are doing Med coz their parents want them to, to think again.

But at the same time, the commitment needed is... a little scary. I mean, the decision I'll have to make will affect my life for the next 6-12 years! I can't see that far ahead, let alone the next month!

Met some people I knew which was expected but didn't end up staying too long. Caught the train up to Chatswood so I could pick up my new glasses - they're so cool - transition lenses! Good timing too, before I head to Cowra and have my eyes killed by all the UV exposure. But the design is really similar to my old glasses so unless people look really closely, I'd doubt they notice I got new glasses. =P

NYE 2006 & Reflections

- NYE 2006 -

Janna and Jess with the perfect view behind them.

The first and last time I was in the city for NYE. We arrived around 1pm at Blues Point (in North Sydney) and already the place was starting to fill up. With tents, picnic mats and people everywhere we settled down on our patch of grass (ie territory) and got comfortable seeing as we were going to be there for the next 12 hours.

Luckily reinforcements arrived as the day progressed, more NSB's, NSG's, CCC, and study campers came to.. hold the fort! Most of the day was taken up by eating, chatting, playing card games and going for walks to stretch our legs.

But the price to pay for such a magnificent view was the number of smokers and drinkers. You could literally smell the alcohol in the air. Oh and not to mention the hour-long wait if you needed to go to the bathroom. By the end of the night, it was said that the women had overtaken the men's bathrooms and the men had to resort to peeing in the bushes? Or so I heard...

The fireworks however, were... absolutely stunning. Watching it on TV simply does not capture the way the sky lights up with the brilliant colours, and feeling the explosion in your body, the ground trembling under your feet and the atmosphere of the crowds gasping in delight.

[If you're using Mozilla, all thumbnails in this post can be right-clicked and 'View Image' will let you see the original sized picture]




It was all over, too quickly. Then it became the mad efforts of 3000(?) people trying to make their way back home. What was disturbing was the amount of broken bottles and shards of glass all over the streets and the dangerous mood of the crowd trying to push their way into the train station. I was infinitely glad and relieved to get home, in one piece. So it was definitely an experience, but only something I'd want to do once in a lifetime.

- Reflections -

Where to start? 2006... my final year of high school. Most people say it's the best year of high school and I think I would agree. Everything in Year 12 takes on meaning as you spend the last moments with your friends, the teachers are actually nice to you, and you work hard to achieve to the best of your ability.

Term 1 saw events like House Choir, Swimming Carnival and Year 12 Camp




And of course, the completion of the new library!


Term 2's highlight was without a doubt, Study Camp!




Term 3 was hectic with trials, but the last week of school was absolutely unforgettable. Farewells and "Final" everything and Valedictory Dinner closed this chapter.




Term 4 was HSC but that dims in comparison to more momentous events like schoolies, and formals =D (3 altogether)




But apart from school, highlights of this year include KYLC (January) EYF camp (July) and RICE (August)




(If you've managed to read down this far, well done!)

Finally, 2006 has been a year of many changes, both good and bad. It's been a year of paradoxes, where everything has been turned upside down and inside out. In losing friends I've made more, in drifting from God I've grown closer, in darkness I found light, in loneliness I found comfort, in despair I found hope, and in serving I was served.

And every single person God has put into my life has helped me in small or big ways to grow, to discover more of myself, to learn about life and to love. And so I thank God for all of you for helping to shape who I am. Especially my family, and my boyfriend. God bless you all in this coming year of 2007 and may we look forward to our heavenly home and continue to live for eternity, growing in Christlikeness and in our love for each other and for God!