tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79270932914443061912024-03-15T02:06:30.784+13:00In writingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-58232953046065712762013-03-18T22:27:00.000+13:002013-03-18T22:27:16.358+13:00Mondays + Mutism<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hate today. It's Monday.</div>
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I hate it because I HAD to get out of bed this morning. No sleeping in allowed on Mondays. Doesn't mean I don't dual with my alarm clock though! </div>
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Monday is groan-worthy. I have to crawl out of my small and very comfortable dream world and join the real one. I don't like it nearly as much.</div>
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Just saying.</div>
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I love today. It's Monday.</div>
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I have six children in my class and that's a very nice number. Two of my children go home at midday and my babies are happy - no teething, no temperature, just happy. Which makes <i>me </i>very happy.</div>
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I love quiet days like today. It means that I don't need to talk the whole day long to every person at every moment.</div>
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This is how I was meant to live.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsu1VLEuZTrUAvhP2GG-N5m990OpwwtpzlMbNVEzRGBks_NiJhAw5w3ke3i35Rw0roTWmq6NCbUV1Nf0dZQgxt67S_O6UjdGnqnFbnfZsIdoPXZGQsltZ4KpJEVHRvn2rm0wsWkZGYCgo/s1600/reality2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsu1VLEuZTrUAvhP2GG-N5m990OpwwtpzlMbNVEzRGBks_NiJhAw5w3ke3i35Rw0roTWmq6NCbUV1Nf0dZQgxt67S_O6UjdGnqnFbnfZsIdoPXZGQsltZ4KpJEVHRvn2rm0wsWkZGYCgo/s640/reality2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last week I lost my voice. For one day. It's hard navigating the challenges of my normal work day and in spite of the additional challenge of not having a voice, I had a really good day. This may sound strange but I really liked not being able to speak. It forced me to slow down a bit, to notice the nuances in my day - answering a child's need without asking, just meeting it because I saw it. I might have missed it otherwise. </div>
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It was strange and kinda funny to see how others reacted to my quietude. Most thought there was something wrong with me and asked if I was okay. They were satisfied with my whispered answer that I had lost my voice. But what if I hadn't lost my voice? If it was in perfect working order and I chose not to use it twenty hours of the day? Would people still look for a reason behind my reserve? </div>
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I'm going to be bold here and say yes, they would. In fact, I know they would.</div>
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As a child I had an anxiety disorder called selective mutism. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_mutism" target="_blank">Here's some information about selective mutism</a> - thank you Wikipedia. I would often have the desire to speak to someone, but the fear of doing so overwhelmed me in such a paralyzing way that it was virtually impossible for words to escape my mouth. Lots of people wondered about this and asked my parents what was wrong with me. Because not talking at all in not normal.</div>
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Since then I've learnt that as much as not talking is abnormal, so too is talking too little. When I'm quiet, people sometimes think there is something wrong. But they're wrong. There's nothing wrong at all. If you were wondering, no, I'm no longer affected by selective mutism. Certainly not to the degree that I was as a child. But I'm not completely unaffected either. I crave the mental space and freedom that silence gives. My voice combined with the myriad of others, the interactions that come with it cause me to feel an uncomfortable sense of dread and impending doom. Things get just a little bit much, a bit confusing and a lot overwhelming. I need these quiet days to balance that out and keep me sane and functional. </div>
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Here's to Mondays - good for the mind and the soul and for the heart to overflow with warm fuzzies.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-19554577413024699642013-03-12T22:02:00.000+13:002013-03-12T22:02:01.570+13:00Twenty on a Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">A bunch of random, fun questions that I answered on my quiet Tuesday evening. So here you go...</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHa2EHuV1Hlh_-WQTq194yzCL4QvKkSC7uX2Uk1A5ck8jlo6rlcwOrUY-ejQ8pQWN6NluL75Q0TFruLLBag4SXw8dnvWghyphenhyphenS0K_WmJSupyi4ntiq0xRi5K4qBgMo2mOQlzbmnG2bSmql0/s1600/twenty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHa2EHuV1Hlh_-WQTq194yzCL4QvKkSC7uX2Uk1A5ck8jlo6rlcwOrUY-ejQ8pQWN6NluL75Q0TFruLLBag4SXw8dnvWghyphenhyphenS0K_WmJSupyi4ntiq0xRi5K4qBgMo2mOQlzbmnG2bSmql0/s640/twenty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Short answer: Yes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Long answer: Funny story - When I was named, my parents only gave me a first name, which was after my maternal grandmother. After my family immigrated to New Zealand and went through the process of applying for citizenship some years later, I was able to legally 'change' my full name to include a middle name. So I'm in the unique position of being able to have chosen my own middle name, which was after my great grandmother on my dads side.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? </span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Last week. I can't remember which day.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">3. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Silver.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Sort of. Not my own, but I am crazy in love with the babies in my class. I am so incredibly proud of my 'children'!</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">5. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">What kind of question is this?! Of course!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">6. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">This is an easy one - and that would be a big NO! I have been given the opportunity and I turned it down. I am keen to go sky diving though. Don't know how that one works but there you go.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">7. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Vanilla Bean.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">8. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">My boss. Oooo, exciting I know!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">9. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">This is a tough one. Can I say both?!</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">10. HAIR COLOR? </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Dark blonde.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">11. EYE COLOR?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Bluish green or greenish blue. I don't really know.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">12. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Sometimes. I wear frames most of the time and contacts when I can be bothered.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">13. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Definitely happy endings. I hate scary movies. With. a passion.</span></span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">14. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Lullaby for Pi - loved it.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">15. SUMMER OR WINTER?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Winter.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">16. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT?</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">This is a love story by Jessica Thompson. It's a re-read so it's a goody.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">17. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO AT THE MOMENT? </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Take me somewhere nice by Sky Sailing. It's on repeat.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">18. WHERE IS THE FURTHEST PLACE YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Scotland.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">19. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">South Africa.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">20. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Auckland. It's in New Zealand. Thought I'd add that in just in case ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>Want to have a go? Copy and </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b>paste the questions and leave me a link to your blog or wherever you're posting it. Or fill it out in the comments section below. Ready...</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">GO!</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-75437592869055545132013-02-13T00:28:00.000+13:002013-02-13T00:28:38.820+13:00In Which the Silence is Broken<div style="text-align: justify;">
oh wow, long pause...</div>
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I seem to be in the habit of taking long pauses and habitual breaks from blogging (ugh, still hate that word so much i hate whomever came up with it). </div>
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So during my three month absence, what have I been up to?</div>
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I worked very hard. Despite the fact that I love my job, I sometimes also really hate it. The end of last year got very muddy and yucky in the professional department of my life. Things were confusing and downright depressing. The week before Christmas saw a possible redundancy. Need I say more? Yeah, not so great on top of other stressful things that happened at work to dampen the holiday cheer.</div>
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But thankfully, thankfully...Christmas holidays meant a trip away. Two weeks out of my life to forget about my problems...bliss. I went to Australia to see my parents (they happen to have done this crazy thing last year where they moved to another country - yeah, crazy). </div>
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But a good excuse to travel right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxSZsoZfNL3auQZ4oZFmmJ65nLEj5IY2sMMyNVMnJKbFPuXVEBgyq9m1UbTL36s1JT8y6j4PvGl9TKbQ3JK84FyeDAjk-jzQTuQ_PgXUL4xYFHmvrhRJbH8MCaX5ljjlR4oQ0jvNPRNg/s1600/magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxSZsoZfNL3auQZ4oZFmmJ65nLEj5IY2sMMyNVMnJKbFPuXVEBgyq9m1UbTL36s1JT8y6j4PvGl9TKbQ3JK84FyeDAjk-jzQTuQ_PgXUL4xYFHmvrhRJbH8MCaX5ljjlR4oQ0jvNPRNg/s640/magic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bit of Christmas magic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcbTqvGFuInWRE83T-p7LNDELvkTFd9B2T5EXunqyMgURSlporWUdlWAry5H-f-hxbwLpQoW1u-KDGlzpyJPDFfiOdCCL41BUGZma6HcF-mebFxnBWRu_t6wgHcIpaAAUQaxm6vabqFA/s1600/hot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcbTqvGFuInWRE83T-p7LNDELvkTFd9B2T5EXunqyMgURSlporWUdlWAry5H-f-hxbwLpQoW1u-KDGlzpyJPDFfiOdCCL41BUGZma6HcF-mebFxnBWRu_t6wgHcIpaAAUQaxm6vabqFA/s640/hot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right friends - 46 degrees. Living on the edge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogwlVE1lk_7FxHVEgA1Q_jm8onIjUG9VxlbzlhA6So-x2Mmnlzgn2REb4kM29LhQJx8flVdjP7Z5FOV4D7rzwYzUQy7JlJBBvh1bI4cyL1l5qO7455Yt1303i4quOyVI_457rOmuUi0E/s1600/high+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogwlVE1lk_7FxHVEgA1Q_jm8onIjUG9VxlbzlhA6So-x2Mmnlzgn2REb4kM29LhQJx8flVdjP7Z5FOV4D7rzwYzUQy7JlJBBvh1bI4cyL1l5qO7455Yt1303i4quOyVI_457rOmuUi0E/s640/high+tea.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High tea with a view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGf_PxNHhFJxwL2gU1yW-kp98ZSpJxbnCFzvrsPsinthDW6dufcKBL4hJMNrVHiSWNQ6SCKtjuzxcAAz0Ihyphenhyphen04z3X2C_25jX1uzWmCuyGpD9wKR1n9eFu6Pr_x8cY8uCDXMzHZdo_2OE/s1600/cutie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGf_PxNHhFJxwL2gU1yW-kp98ZSpJxbnCFzvrsPsinthDW6dufcKBL4hJMNrVHiSWNQ6SCKtjuzxcAAz0Ihyphenhyphen04z3X2C_25jX1uzWmCuyGpD9wKR1n9eFu6Pr_x8cY8uCDXMzHZdo_2OE/s640/cutie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh my goodness, this cutie!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wvtvNz0CCoCZQjPJqzvYGWsGk8fb76dV7igPyFoYIFnUGAiNapM-CeSclKy1k3_xnIE6pB_hfNDT352dPX-Mh_Rmv5DY73QAhTo30WUovekCYppdryqDNFgiE27mE7MIQ7warBuUOMI/s1600/cow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wvtvNz0CCoCZQjPJqzvYGWsGk8fb76dV7igPyFoYIFnUGAiNapM-CeSclKy1k3_xnIE6pB_hfNDT352dPX-Mh_Rmv5DY73QAhTo30WUovekCYppdryqDNFgiE27mE7MIQ7warBuUOMI/s640/cow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxnJBZS9wMt1diyJkcRuFkS5So7EL_QQnvdNKYhjqQtCdk2sI5ducnIvZdsgjFKKviplVNvLjuCcUByCZ3eErfyb-BmYhCdyFUHK1sMYthf8KSOLsMz1WCOR0F_h_MKmU-tbhv5pOjGo/s1600/apostles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxnJBZS9wMt1diyJkcRuFkS5So7EL_QQnvdNKYhjqQtCdk2sI5ducnIvZdsgjFKKviplVNvLjuCcUByCZ3eErfyb-BmYhCdyFUHK1sMYthf8KSOLsMz1WCOR0F_h_MKmU-tbhv5pOjGo/s640/apostles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Postcard-worthy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrV4779r7HlbzfV6PjcYKR8f1bMETgDhtlMtgQkaG9Gg5dMZ6ZC7TJof6XkSzhXwCZ3Rebj3ls_0eNldoGSZ2cb4E21lY5KSOLq3nolupUhmb1n6pCP8DwnfvmyNokJnzFC_4gnsf884/s1600/koala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrV4779r7HlbzfV6PjcYKR8f1bMETgDhtlMtgQkaG9Gg5dMZ6ZC7TJof6XkSzhXwCZ3Rebj3ls_0eNldoGSZ2cb4E21lY5KSOLq3nolupUhmb1n6pCP8DwnfvmyNokJnzFC_4gnsf884/s640/koala.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koala!!!! In the wild ahhh!!!</td></tr>
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Right. Definitely a good excuse to travel. </div>
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Since I've been back, it's more work - gosh my life sounds boring - and also some other stuff that is still brewing in my mind and heart. Maybe I will share some of that with you later. Maybe not. For now though...<br />
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hi.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-64805746356738962062012-10-17T23:02:00.000+13:002012-10-17T23:02:37.204+13:00Selah<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is a pause. Empty space doesn't always have to be filled. Tonight I'm savouring the silence...</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-68801932493843006002012-10-16T22:34:00.000+13:002012-10-16T22:34:21.879+13:00Prayer<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="background-color: white;">Earlier this year I read an amazing book by Cindy Jacobs called </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Power-Persistent-Prayer-The-Praying/dp/0764208748/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334058541&sr=8-1-spell" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">The Power of Persistent Prayer</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">. Honestly, it changed the way I thought about prayer. And the way that I actually, well, prayed. I wholeheartedly recommend it.</span></div>
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I had been considering what it was to pray. How does one go about praying? What makes prayer more than just talking to God? How do I, in my prayer life, commune with Him in a deeper and more intimate way? Prayer is amazing, and it's so much more than just taking our problems to God.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQwVR47_ldhh5HoXB3q0b8lkFki8KCsla8w52lFpVKtdJoawAtc5ylu3VwY9B9OUwGqEIt4-Xu9eqRFOK7-AmrWu9UfWuMi0MbN_6H0ieBky64HU0JcHZ1RjhdBpxHEFMCCulvEqym8E/s1600/pray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQwVR47_ldhh5HoXB3q0b8lkFki8KCsla8w52lFpVKtdJoawAtc5ylu3VwY9B9OUwGqEIt4-Xu9eqRFOK7-AmrWu9UfWuMi0MbN_6H0ieBky64HU0JcHZ1RjhdBpxHEFMCCulvEqym8E/s640/pray.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm fascinated with the mystery of worship and its capacity to be an active expression of prayer. Our worship is not a separate entity to our prayer. There is so much about worship that is connected with prayer. They compliment and strengthen one another. They go hand-in-hand.<br />
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I have discovered the amazing power of declaring God's will over my life and the divine authority that He has given through His Holy Spirit to claim victory. I can approach His throne with boldness and confidence that He will hear me and answer me. These are areas that I often neglect in my prayer life. I've always felt unworthy of asking God for things which I think I don't deserve. The thing is, I don't deserve them. God still wants to bless me but He also want's me to <i>ask</i>. I'm guilty of leaving out the asking step but expecting God to deliver. Don't you think that's unfair on God? Ask, and you shall receive, right? Not think or imagine or wish. Ask. If you don't ask, you most likely won't get. And as much as I run the risk of getting a 'No', I won't get a 'Yes' without asking either.</div>
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The other day I was pondering a problem. I caught myself worrying over something when I should've given the problem straight to God. Such an easy pit to fall into. It seems like such a logical thing to do, to surrender that thing and lay it at the feet of Jesus. But it's almost never my first response. I tend to hold it close, letting the big problem fester into a bigger problem that seems insurmountable the more I consider it. As I reigned my thinking in and gave the problem over to God, I was reminded of the verse: <i>Do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God // Philippians 4:6</i>. So simple. Yet how I over-complicate things! Instead of wasting all that energy on worrying over my problem, I have only to present it to God, tell him about it and surrender it to his care. Seriously, how easy. If only that were always my first action instead of my late <i>re</i>action.<br />
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<i style="background-color: white;">We
do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us
with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the
Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who
have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called;
those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to
this? If God is for us, who can be
against us? He who did not spare his own
Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him,
graciously give us all things? // </i><i style="background-color: white;">Romans 8:26-32 </i></blockquote>
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This thing called prayer is so mysterious. It connects us to the very heart of God. But it's up to us to cultivate the connection. So let's do it! What have we got to lose?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-47072178619618750332012-10-15T23:07:00.000+13:002012-10-15T23:16:42.864+13:00Look Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG11bHtou16fn4EToLfX-Q6v1g4APtOt_qqbQlM85zYCrrFq1Ie4Gkcb89l27ZIdzH0BKm23E2PeFSDv7bzbui90M38mwc2fW61Vj7tUbNJiirNZxCwjDDx-09oE6saSfNW63FnjnD96M/s1600/lookup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG11bHtou16fn4EToLfX-Q6v1g4APtOt_qqbQlM85zYCrrFq1Ie4Gkcb89l27ZIdzH0BKm23E2PeFSDv7bzbui90M38mwc2fW61Vj7tUbNJiirNZxCwjDDx-09oE6saSfNW63FnjnD96M/s320/lookup.jpg" width="320" /></a>I've got this sinking feeling of losing control, like things are spiraling downward in a steady nose dive. </div>
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It's sort of a dark tunnel that I can't find my way out of. Is there even a light at the end of it? I keep putting one foot in front of the other but I don't seem to be getting any closer to the end. I'm losing motivation. Fast. And my vision dims a little bit because I'm not holding onto it as tightly as I was. </div>
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I'm in perpetual survival mode, existing in the now and steadily losing sight of what's coming. I can't do this anymore. I've got to get a grip on this and go back to where I was before. Three-sixty, right back to the beginning and start over again. Jesus, help me to see again. Give me fresh insight and understanding and motivation to face the giants threatening to trample me. </div>
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I am a conqueror and co-heir in Christ. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. He is from everlasting to everlasting. Where does my help come from? From the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Whom shall I fear? // <span style="font-size: x-small;">Rom 8:37, Rom 8:17, Phil 4:13, Ps 90:2, Ps 121:1-2, Ps 27:1</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-18595496778409639282012-10-14T23:11:00.000+13:002012-10-14T23:11:01.159+13:00Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A day of perfect sunny weather is followed by a grey skies and wind-driven rain. Typical spring weather. Never mind, just as well I like rainy days. Especially when they're on the weekend and I can curl up on the couch with a book. I admit that it hasn't been a very productive weekend but it's been refreshing and restful, I'm sad that it's almost over. I'm dreading tomorrow.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-36116315903639172942012-10-13T23:01:00.001+13:002012-10-13T23:01:59.153+13:00Vulnerability<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcsInUwBgNhAaiB6rUCBpLg1wqepKXREqv5S0dKK8qHF1NF0rIcj6R8uDKAS41969BNSeoaTipXjRucC0cVLs7zo_myIa-8AOfkc_On0i8HqCdiMyQNlY6IwqYePoKKBL-xJQj2itE50/s1600/lewisquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcsInUwBgNhAaiB6rUCBpLg1wqepKXREqv5S0dKK8qHF1NF0rIcj6R8uDKAS41969BNSeoaTipXjRucC0cVLs7zo_myIa-8AOfkc_On0i8HqCdiMyQNlY6IwqYePoKKBL-xJQj2itE50/s400/lewisquote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's the scariest thing ever, sharing pieces of ourselves. The slightest possibility of being hurt or rejected usually sends us running for the hills. Being vulnerable is not for the faint of heart. It takes gutsy courage to face fears and conquer them with beauty and grace. Vulnerable may seem to masquerade as weakness but really it's courage with it's sleeves rolled up, ready to face life's challenges. It embraces weakness and finds beauty in the mess of everyday. Vulnerability stands proud and tall, sure in who she is and where her identity is found. Vulnerability is strong and fearless. Vulnerability doesn't strive toward perfection but understands that perfection can only be found in His love, which is perfect and casts out all our fears. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-91403255506081839762012-10-12T19:36:00.000+13:002012-10-12T19:36:08.511+13:00Treasure Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-31366470969447232192012-10-11T23:47:00.000+13:002012-10-11T23:47:33.701+13:00Measure of Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am an early childhood teacher. I love my job but it's the kind of job where you give a lot. You give a lot of time and attention and instruction and care and love. Most of all, you give love. It's the number one thing that makes a good teacher great - the kind that children remember forever. And in order to be one of those, you need to give overflowing, abundant love - basically, you give of yourself. </div>
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I find that hard. It takes a lot of energy to give of myself freely and continually. I love it, don't get me wrong, but it's tiring. Draining.</div>
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Tonight is another in a string of late nights for me. I'm so tired and this blogging thing is getting quite tricky to stay on top of. So instead of putting my depleted energies into creating the perfect post tonight, I'm just going to put it out there that real life is messy and at the end of the day, I've got to head straight back to the source to get a fresh dose of energy and love in order to give more. That's what I'll be doing tonight - seeking and consulting with my 'source' and then getting some much needed sleep so that I can get up in the morning ready to give of myself again with an abundant measure of love. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-57372668012570751242012-10-10T23:52:00.000+13:002012-10-10T23:52:22.304+13:00Hush<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's 11:39 and I arrived home ten minuets ago. I'm so tired that I can't think straight and I can't see straight either. </div>
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Sometimes you've got to know when it's time to say something and when it's time to shut your big mouth. It's a fine balance and one that I often err on the side of caution for fear that I will say something I'll later regret. Painful and better-forgotten things are always said in a moment of foolish thoughtlessness. </div>
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Enough said. I'm going to shut my mouth now and leave you with some of my favourites from Emily's 31 Days of Hush so far: </div>
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<a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2012/10/03/quiet-is-the-new-loud/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Quiet is My New Loud</span></a> // <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2012/10/08/5-surprising-essentials-for-a-great-party/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">5 Surprising Essentials For a Great Party</span></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-77990905965244544222012-10-09T10:00:00.000+13:002012-10-09T10:00:07.773+13:00Short and Sweet<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am loving this challenge! But I've got to be honest with you. It's <b><i>hard</i></b>!</div>
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It takes a lot of thought and effort. And time. Time is the big one for me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYaIulIPAqKiJeHIgxJMEjyhcyMy1NmIJt6Ux8SGU0ZyQZoqMnqhvqWAGSBwgZv3YisoibWR6hrH46TJSz_6PagFerGpbeV4OyhrHi7ZrtMcCQhBi8eKCDOxomrDydrhKENfq7d2I37E/s1600/31days3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYaIulIPAqKiJeHIgxJMEjyhcyMy1NmIJt6Ux8SGU0ZyQZoqMnqhvqWAGSBwgZv3YisoibWR6hrH46TJSz_6PagFerGpbeV4OyhrHi7ZrtMcCQhBi8eKCDOxomrDydrhKENfq7d2I37E/s200/31days3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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As it stands, today will be the first post that I will have written before the time of posting. Because I happen to know that I will be absolutely shattered once I get home from work. Tuesdays are hard and long. I don't like them very much.</div>
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I've been thinking a lot about how I can manage this project (manage being the key word) so that it remains a rewarding and stress-less experience. </div>
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I have something of a love-hate relationship with list making, but for the purposes of this challenge I weighed up the benefits of writing one and actually it did help to collate my thoughts and give a clear but flexible outline to follow. Yes, I'm still hoping to write things ahead of time for the sake of efficiency and my own sanity! But it creates a goal, an achievable outcome even if I don't. I think it will help on the days when my brain turns to mush and I want to give up. I've already had a few of those so far.</div>
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If you're also writing a 31 days series, what are you finding hard?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-7885794585656173792012-10-08T23:10:00.000+13:002012-10-08T23:10:44.049+13:00Illuminate<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's something beautiful about that moment when I turn the light out at the end of the day. Distractions fade into the dark stillness and the booming voice of Mind and Reason take a backseat to the gentle whispers of Heart and Spirit. It makes no sense and there's no rhyme or reasonable logic to it.</div>
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There aren't words to explain the ebb and flow of the inner tide of self. It has it's own language, it measures knowledge and understanding unlike logical thinking. It comprehends with utter certainty without knowing how it got to its conclusion. </div>
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I lie awake and the boundaries of mind and spirit overlap. Reality and spiritual insight blur together into a surreal dream-like vision. How can I be sure? What if I'm wrong? Is this trustworthy?</div>
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Staring at the ceiling with unseeing eyes, my soul catches a glimpse of the one weighing so heavily on my heart. God, do they know you? Where are they now? Why do I carry such a burden for them in my heart? Dare I trust that you will work these things out for your good and your glory even without me ever understanding what this is?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SNrRhQJGmrIe43TfSbY8qtCB47h-UuGD0-7H1DZ9rHagZevdulegsOt1m2sEfnF7g1q-54UGcHgnRUUGnb2IkGJg_7I7za-AdDZzTk5KjD4s7ZCR08cQS8ZIBFdvsH6CPi3D91Zs7No/s1600/illuminated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SNrRhQJGmrIe43TfSbY8qtCB47h-UuGD0-7H1DZ9rHagZevdulegsOt1m2sEfnF7g1q-54UGcHgnRUUGnb2IkGJg_7I7za-AdDZzTk5KjD4s7ZCR08cQS8ZIBFdvsH6CPi3D91Zs7No/s640/illuminated.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Despite the mess of my emotions and the confliction of my thoughts, I feel the steady rhythm of the call; pray, it says. Pray and pray and pray.</div>
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So I do. I fall asleep praying and I'm awakened with the prompting to pray some more.</div>
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I still don't understand. <span style="text-align: justify;">I toss to and fro, not willing to risk that this quiet inner voice might be speaking truth. Morning comes and with daylight comes doubt - it's easy to hide behind the certainty of absolutes. Y</span>et I have learnt to trust this inner guide. There have been times when I have heard something or felt something which I have ignored and thought of as silliness or just workings of my sub-conscious mind. But then God moves and I see that I'm mistaken. The voice is accurate and trustworthy and not just my mind running wild. </div>
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His voice is very still, and very small. It's quiet and gentle, easy to miss. </div>
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I have two options. I can take the risk and believe that this is from Him. Or I can ignore it. I don't know what He's asking me to pray. Only that I need to pray. Earnestly, diligently, with fervor and passion. For so long I've been asking for answers, but I'm coming to realise that it's bigger than knowing the answers to my questions. He's asking me to trust that in the midst of not knowing, He is still working out His plan and purpose. I need to be faithful and obedient and continue to follow the promptings He has placed on my heart. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-4993674487812234002012-10-07T21:41:00.001+13:002012-10-07T21:41:27.363+13:00Conquering Power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubsZg2IuXgMl_mkWoJQpQGQO14YIoVsOVnlNvDwMs47ZzqOT4XrRWGAegEkRt_Gk__W3G1II8bQ-tISnuVcTov08JMvKTJRwqKuG7LnxPL0TDlyhizJOzLcTyp1xKiaG4_KfInvM2KGw/s1600/scripture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubsZg2IuXgMl_mkWoJQpQGQO14YIoVsOVnlNvDwMs47ZzqOT4XrRWGAegEkRt_Gk__W3G1II8bQ-tISnuVcTov08JMvKTJRwqKuG7LnxPL0TDlyhizJOzLcTyp1xKiaG4_KfInvM2KGw/s640/scripture.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you go into a new week, I pray that you will walk in the authority of the Holy Spirit, remembering who you are in Him.</div>
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The conquering power that brings the world to its knees is our faith. The person who wins out over the world's ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God. // 1 John 5:4</blockquote>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-35992044829664466292012-10-06T22:42:00.000+13:002012-10-06T22:42:26.260+13:00Some Thoughts on Procrastination and Productivity<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today I've spent some time writing a few posts that will be ready for next week. I almost can't believe that I'm so prepared. I usually don't prepare things ahead of time. I'm more of a 'just wing it' kind of blogger. But honestly, I'm struggling with this daily posting thing. It's getting quite overwhelming and whenever I start feeling <a href="http://jo-anninwriting.blogspot.co.nz/2012/08/overwhelmed.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">overwhelmed</span></a>, I usually run and hide and don't want to come out for a long, long time. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UR7uzaM5O0UPo2ELSb4j3cRGD4_zXYvpW3iZfITU6QGbZFynDM5hYNX-QM0teH0Il_La4KTN1adtTY0Qdwhz5MQpwZzBLHZhqBZAPcnnsVY5Tjot3AQ3hhfsfNDPKcGmwQ-5wN-OXTs/s1600/time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UR7uzaM5O0UPo2ELSb4j3cRGD4_zXYvpW3iZfITU6QGbZFynDM5hYNX-QM0teH0Il_La4KTN1adtTY0Qdwhz5MQpwZzBLHZhqBZAPcnnsVY5Tjot3AQ3hhfsfNDPKcGmwQ-5wN-OXTs/s400/time.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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I read a blog post at Red and Honey entitled <a href="http://redandhoney.com/2012/10/blogger-vs-procrastination-un-blogging-day-4/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Blogger vs. Procrastination</span></a> (really loving Beth's series on Un-Blogging btw) and left a comment because honestly - procrastination is my middle name! </div>
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Here's some of what I said:</div>
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I struggle with this one big time! And I'm not even a wife or mother. I don't know how you ladies do it! Seriously though, I do have a busy life with lots of things that pull my attention in different directions. So when I do have down time, I think I need to relax and not do anything in order to be refreshed. But really, I'm just not using my time as wisely as I should. Actually, when I invest my time into productive passions (ie. the things I do in my down time). I'm re-energizing my batteries in order to give into other areas in my life too. By procrastinating, we are really robbing ourselves of achieving our dreams and a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our day-to-day life. Easier said than done, I know. I am a terrible procrastinator and constantly have to work on staying focused and motivated to achieve the things that are so easily put off!</div>
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<a href="http://redandhoney.com/2012/10/8-best-tips-for-avoiding-procrastination-un-blogging-day-5/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">8 Best Tips for Avoiding Procrastination</span></a> outlines some very achievable and practical tips that I think are awesome! If you fight against the Procrastination Monster like I do, I would definitely recommend it.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-68791241463282015202012-10-05T22:04:00.000+13:002012-10-05T22:04:35.117+13:00J'adore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse02fsZaLvC0iJ3IS9_eypTTZ3FQ47d9SFaLdJgnFAwQy__gpRAy-nIc2E23Kz3TnkgEaZ7lqeJ6bJ6AtuZStgD9W2U2YLLietM2M6Isjo_Fm1QvRpkWPv_SA2B4O-Fc5t8cb0Web7s8/s1600/paris2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse02fsZaLvC0iJ3IS9_eypTTZ3FQ47d9SFaLdJgnFAwQy__gpRAy-nIc2E23Kz3TnkgEaZ7lqeJ6bJ6AtuZStgD9W2U2YLLietM2M6Isjo_Fm1QvRpkWPv_SA2B4O-Fc5t8cb0Web7s8/s320/paris2.png" width="320" /></a><br />
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I'm not a very talented cook. But despite my ineptness in the kitchen, I love being inspired by people who are. Talented, that is.</div>
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I happily stumbled across a television series recently called The Little Paris Kitchen. Oh my goodness, I fell in love instantaneously and was transported back to the streets of Paris. When I was twenty and in the midst of getting my degree, I was told that it would be crazy to take a year off university to go to France and the UK for a few months. But I did it anyway and I'm so glad - it was the trip of a lifetime! The bustle, the smells, the multi-faceted charm of this beautiful city. Watching Rachel cook in her compact kitchen brought back memories of walking narrow streets, train rides, the feeling of surreal excitement and an insanely delicious Parisian experience - Crepe Nutella. Rachel Khoo is a British born chef and food writer who went to Paris to study patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu. She opened a tiny restaurant called The Little Paris Kitchen (in her studio apartment actually) which was open for one night of the week for a very intimate table of two. <i>How delightful! </i>This led to the production of the TV series, and also a cookbook. I've requested the book from my local library and can't wait to check it out.<br />
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For now though, here is <span style="text-align: center;">Rachel's chocolate lava cake - I could just die, it looks so heavenly. I will save it for a very special occasion or a really, really bad day.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/thoSUPj_Fhg" width="640"></iframe></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-72040215302091142952012-10-04T23:54:00.000+13:002012-10-04T23:54:24.730+13:00Sleep<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's late and my brain has gone into shut down mode. I have nothing inspired to say. I can't hardly think straight. All I want to do is get ready for bed and drift off into a deep sleep without waking till morning. So while I do that, here are some inspired thoughts on sleep by Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post. </div>
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"The way to a more productive, more inspired, more joyful life is getting enough sleep."</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-29419273550734006122012-10-03T20:50:00.001+13:002012-10-03T20:50:31.734+13:00The Wednesday That Was5:45 :: Alarm goes off. Press snooze.<div>
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6:50 :: Get up.</div>
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7:20 :: Out the door.</div>
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7:40 :: Car battery dies. Feel slightly panicked.</div>
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7:50 :: Ask a taxi driver if he's got jumper leads. Thank God - he does!</div>
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8:15 :: Ahh, late for work.</div>
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8:35 :: Make blue playdough.</div>
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9:45 :: Morning tea break.</div>
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10:20 :: Rearrange outdoor environment.</div>
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11:30 :: Lunch.</div>
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12:20 :: Write class update in a blissfully quiet room of sleeping children. Love it!</div>
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1:30 :: Trying to put a baby to sleep when they really want to play is pointless. Just saying.</div>
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2:10 :: Outside again. Why can't the weather make its mind up about whether or not to rain.</div>
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2:30 :: Children's afternoon tea - hmm, smoothies.</div>
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2:50 :: My afternoon break - hmm, coffee!</div>
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3:30 :: General craziness ensues.</div>
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4:10 :: Pack down outside.</div>
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4:30 :: Start watching the clock. Why does it seem to slow down?</div>
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5:00 :: Home time!</div>
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5:20 :: Leave work.</div>
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5:45 :: Supermarket run.</div>
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6:15 :: Home at last.</div>
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7:00 :: Dinner.</div>
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8:30 :: What am I going to write tonight??</div>
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8:50 :: Publish</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-15617285348573906382012-10-02T22:45:00.000+13:002012-10-05T01:26:05.672+13:00Creative Comparison<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes I sit with fingers poised at the computer keyboard, in eager anticipation of the words that will flow from the deep well of inspiration inside of me...I wait but nothing comes. So I head off in search of inspiration. In other words, I blog-hop and trawl the internet with no specific subject in mind. Searching without knowing what I'm looking for. </div>
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It's aimless. And instead of fueling my creativity, it runs me dry. Most of all, it makes me feel inadequate and I doubt myself and the worthiness of what I have to offer. So I end up shutting my computer feeling quite dejected because I've just spent the last hour comparing myself to someone that I've never met. Their blog is better than mine, they have more important things to say, get more comments, have more followers...oh, the list goes on!</div>
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I love what <a href="http://juliannamorlet.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/creativity-versus-competitiveness-katie.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">this lovely lady</span></a> has to say about the subject of comparison and it's impact on our creativity:</div>
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"Comparison stifled my creativity. It caused me to shut down, to unnecessarily stress about upcoming shoots and to doubt myself. When we doubt ourselves and our God-give abilities, we are in essence doubting God...and that's not something I want to be accused of doing." - <i>Katie McGihon</i></blockquote>
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I don't want to get caught in the comparison game, it leaves me feeling small and inadequate. The purpose of this project for me is about getting to the core of who I am as the one writing here and what this space is about rather than finding new blogs just for the sake of it or comparing what <i>I </i>do with what <i>you </i>do. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-PiDwMnWiUugXclOYpDN9o7UrXii13xKKksE5NBNI1xJs5gyVXcAb2H5D4C8fnlog114FTG9A5rsIJr-X8Ogv_X8IzRJoltJie3SMPbahp7btQMZLUJoWTVfoLJrN-aI-ufjg-hW65w/s1600/creative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-PiDwMnWiUugXclOYpDN9o7UrXii13xKKksE5NBNI1xJs5gyVXcAb2H5D4C8fnlog114FTG9A5rsIJr-X8Ogv_X8IzRJoltJie3SMPbahp7btQMZLUJoWTVfoLJrN-aI-ufjg-hW65w/s640/creative.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In light of this, I've decided that I'm going to be very selective about how many other fellow 31 day blogs I read. I mean, <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">have you seen how many people have linked up</span></a>? Over 1000 last I checked. And each of them will post something every. single. day. How does one possibly find the time to read them, write ones own post and go about a busy life at the same time? The answer is simple: one doesn't. I'm not even going to try.</div>
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Here is my list of 31 Days series that I'll be keeping an eye on and perusing in my leisure time:</div>
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Chatting at the Sky // <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2012/09/30/31-days-to-hush/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">31 Days of Hush</span></a><br />
Red and Honey // <a href="http://redandhoney.com/2012/09/announcing-31-days-of-un-blogging/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">31 Days of Un-Blogging</span></a><br />
Honestly Here // <a href="http://honestlyhere.com/2012/09/30/31-days/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">31 Days of Healing</span></a><br />
Sarah Mae // <a href="http://sarahmae.com/2012/09/31-days-to-a-fresh-blog-start/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">31 Days to a Fresh Blog Start</span></a><br />
Bradford Avenue // <a href="http://bradfordavenue.com/2012/10/01/31-days-of-gathered-art/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">31 Days of Gathered Art</span></a><br />
Sweetwater // <a href="http://thesweetwaterblog.com/2012/10/01/day-one-my-story-the-raw-part/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">31 Days to Love where you Live</span></a><br />
She's the Girl that Sings // <a href="http://juliannamorlet.blogspot.co.nz/2012/10/31-verses-writing-my-life-story-day-one.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">31 Verses Writing my Life Story</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-88220089300535321612012-10-01T19:57:00.000+13:002012-10-01T19:57:10.564+13:0031 Days<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last year, I had this great idea that I would write a series for the month of October on being Fearless. It was great in theory. Reality was a different matter. Fearless was my word. But in the midst of walking the journey I couldn't find a way to say the things that were stirring in my heart. It was too deep and didn't even make much sense to me at the time. So October came and went and despite my intentions to write for thirty-one straight days, I didn't.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELVx7NcXf0AbAh2Bnv9TxvjieLkqUhxkgPTzrbZ1SJwDbwCrLaPLDiirS8xXeOS4fyNF5amTcbUn7EYef2ca_Vl2Kt29ZJO-UPUwjBf8-bgFbQETL7QvDZoKaTgUKMCo68H4VfMG_dW4/s1600/31days3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELVx7NcXf0AbAh2Bnv9TxvjieLkqUhxkgPTzrbZ1SJwDbwCrLaPLDiirS8xXeOS4fyNF5amTcbUn7EYef2ca_Vl2Kt29ZJO-UPUwjBf8-bgFbQETL7QvDZoKaTgUKMCo68H4VfMG_dW4/s200/31days3.jpg" width="200" /></a>Since my return in July, I am struggling to find where this blog is going and what it's about. I also struggle with consistency. Generally I write whenever the mood strikes me and then go for long stretches without anything. Like I've said <a href="http://jo-anninwriting.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/finding-beginning.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">previously</span></a>, the hardest part is starting. Now that I have, the next thing is to keep going, to get fresh ideas and produce...oh the dreaded word - content!</div>
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But I want to be about more than just churning out content. I want to say things because they are meaningful and important to me. The possibility of encouraging others is just an added bonus.<br />
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So this year I've decided that the 31 Days series may be just the thing I need to find my voice. To find and define a purpose and identity for this blog. And maybe there will be some space-fillers in that time but I can't over-think it too much. I just need to jump in and do it. I'm hoping to get a little bit of quality out of a season of quantity. I don't know what I'm going to say, it's still a mystery to me. Maybe a theme will emerge but I'm going into this with nothing planned other than saying something about anything every day for the rest of the month. No matter how it turns out, it should be fun!</div>
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Never heard of the 31 days series? <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/08/31-days-buttons.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Go here</span></a> to read more about it. And <span style="color: #76a5af;"><a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/09/31-dayers-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">here</span></a> </span>is a whole bunch of people who are writing for 31 days too.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-63184969497555881242012-09-18T22:19:00.000+12:002012-09-18T22:32:54.081+12:00Delishishness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpJGvAOl5xzrsvETOmKOyb2KQgm8ik414AlZ-y6ZnkWEM7Q_CyW3MCfuwJUhog_Avc0KFEXOrlBO7YzIlZrZiuyX9RxiyGVPd7jfjDoaAFYVT6csMz9x5rfmP_98Q9wtuWQjS0vKBBg8/s1600/cheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpJGvAOl5xzrsvETOmKOyb2KQgm8ik414AlZ-y6ZnkWEM7Q_CyW3MCfuwJUhog_Avc0KFEXOrlBO7YzIlZrZiuyX9RxiyGVPd7jfjDoaAFYVT6csMz9x5rfmP_98Q9wtuWQjS0vKBBg8/s640/cheesecake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This looks so amazing I almost can't believe that it was me who made it! A definite winner that's best served the day after it's made. </div>
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Base:<br />
250g digestive biscuits (or any other biscuit that can make a good crumb base)<br />
125g butter, melted<br />
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Filling:<br />
500g cream cheese<br />
150g castor sugar<br />
3 eggs<br />
250ml sour cream<br />
zest and juice of 1 lemon<br />
150g blueberries<br />
150g raspberries (I just used a bag of frozen mixed berries - half mixed through, half on top)<br />
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To prepare the base, lightly grease a 20cm springform tin and set aside. Using a food processor, pulse the biscuits until they form fine crumbs. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture into the tin, levelling it off with the back of a spoon. Chill the base for at least 30 minuets while you prepare the filling.<br />
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Preheat the oven to 160C (140C fan-bake). Place a dish of water on the bottom rack of the oven to prevent a skin from forming on the surface of the cheesecake.<br />
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Beat the cream cheese until smooth then add the sugar and beat for a further 2-3 minuets. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating between additions until just combined. Slowly beat in the sour cream, lemon zest and juice until evenly combined, then fold in the blueberries.<br />
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Pour the filling over the base and smooth off the top. Arrange the raspberries on top, pressing them lightly into the mixture. Bake for 1-1 1/4 hours, or until set but slightly wobbly in the centre. Remove from the oven and run a knife around the edges. Leave to cool on a wire rack before removing from the tin.<br />
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Keep it refrigerated until 1 hour before you cut in into wedges and serve.<br />
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P.S. I do know how to spell delicious. I'm just quirky and think that this is the kind of baked goodness that deserves a somewhat disheveled title that is no doubt the result of contemplating the loveliness of something so mouth-watering.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-4048873274231990272012-09-15T22:00:00.002+12:002012-09-15T22:22:58.637+12:00RenewalI'm not going to lie, there are some days when all I want to do is sit around the house doing absolutely nothing. Today has been one of those days - I've been in my pyjamas all day and I've done <i>nothing </i>productive!<br />
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I know that this might come across as laziness, and really it is, but there are times when it's important for me to slow down to almost a complete standstill. So often my calender is full of 'stuff' and busyness that I forget to stop and take the time to rest and rejuvenate. Yet I need to. In order to continue giving into the things that I invest my time in, I have to make sure that I invest in renewing my energy reserves too.<br />
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Renewal happens from the inside. And in order for me to be renewed, I need headspace to struggle with and work through issues that affect my week and weigh on my heart. I need to leave room in my busy schedule to let God work. And that requires time. Time that sometimes means that I do nothing outwardly in order to be inwardly productive, to cultivate my inner life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPTaoU1BbsT748ql6T_Zb_HUY_3UUSP4Zar6XZkqO3ttzVFh23Va5OR0evfjzgjCRz82DdMFex6wiCVMKnhLMA80aKc4pZuvRC26TBtc5HpuzxFoNS6YZDxhA0ctFu7t_f0RUphTB3KI/s1600/renewal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPTaoU1BbsT748ql6T_Zb_HUY_3UUSP4Zar6XZkqO3ttzVFh23Va5OR0evfjzgjCRz82DdMFex6wiCVMKnhLMA80aKc4pZuvRC26TBtc5HpuzxFoNS6YZDxhA0ctFu7t_f0RUphTB3KI/s640/renewal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In order to be poured out, we first need to be filled. And as we move through our busy lives, we need to continually be filled. I don't know about you, but it's too hard constantly running on empty. Renewal is an ongoing process. And He gives it at any time, in any circumstance - it's completely limitless.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-45717415279402224402012-09-10T23:38:00.000+12:002012-09-10T23:38:40.963+12:00Paris is So Nice<span style="text-align: justify;">It's been a writing day today. Oh, how I love them. Rare like a pocketful of treasures that I wish I had more of. If only I don't have to return to the real world in the morning. Can I stay in dreamland for a little longer?</span><br />
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This little gem is on repeat...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dyeb3Q8WyuE" width="640"></iframe></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-34462094481720013582012-08-28T22:39:00.000+12:002012-08-28T22:39:55.858+12:00The August List<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6fhkFqpz8fm_hvxRYIpv1016J0cEQpq5nZQFe0glNq06xd7DyEOPcR391wQOm4E_uTT-cTDchK9b276CFV9IarGPLgxIaU-UVCKDgY8yHamLKsahdI5ZxReo4l7pL19VOzLXwLO-QUU/s1600/the+august+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6fhkFqpz8fm_hvxRYIpv1016J0cEQpq5nZQFe0glNq06xd7DyEOPcR391wQOm4E_uTT-cTDchK9b276CFV9IarGPLgxIaU-UVCKDgY8yHamLKsahdI5ZxReo4l7pL19VOzLXwLO-QUU/s640/the+august+list.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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-- <i><a href="http://anniesbutterworth.blogspot.co.nz/2012/07/irony-of-that-busy-trap-article.html" target="_blank">The irony of that 'busy trap' article (an introvert's perspective)</a>.</i></div>
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-- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zVRDIFdTYo" target="_blank"><i>Il y a</i></a> by Lala Joy - oh so catchy. Love it! And with a name like that, who wouldn't?</div>
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-- For some insanely awesome photography inspiration visit <a href="http://www.bellapop.com/" target="_blank"><i>BellaPop</i></a> </div>
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-- Deeply challenging. <a href="http://www.incourage.me/2012/08/what-are-you-longing-for.html" target="_blank"><i>What are you longing for?</i></a></div>
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-- Have I mentioned that I love a bit of <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GHHhio7f2c" target="_blank">french music</a></i>?</div>
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-- Reading <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vcOO5kE2fU&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank">Anything</a></i>.</div>
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-- The song on repeat, repeat, <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7HmzwI67ec" target="_blank">repeat</a>.</i></div>
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-- <a href="http://juliannamorlet.com/" target="_blank"><i>This girl</i></a>, who sings. And shares some great thoughts on <a href="http://juliannamorlet.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Bad%20and%20Beautiful%20of%20Creativity" target="_blank"><i>inspiration</i></a>.</div>
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-- <i><a href="http://everybitterthingissweet.com/2011/03/adoration/" target="_blank">Adoration</a>.</i><br />
-- <i><a href="http://prayingincolor.com/" target="_blank">Praying in colour</a></i>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7927093291444306191.post-21278957682285610512012-08-05T23:29:00.000+12:002012-08-05T23:29:43.318+12:00Overwhelmed<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sunday evening. Time to prepare for the week ahead. Only on this Sunday evening I've been struck with a feeling of complete and overwhelming panic. It feels like my ever growing to-do list has grown into a giant monster that threatens to swallow me whole. My mind rushes at a million miles an hour when I think of all the things that need to be done. And as fast as I check something off the list, there are a multitude of things to take its place. <b>How do I live a productive and fulfilled life without freaking out every ten minuets because I can't do everything that needs to be done?</b> Note to self - time management Jo, it's called time management.</div>
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Yet just because I'm completely overwhelmed in this feeling of inadequacy, I'm choosing to embrace it. <b>Because this is a place where I can't live in my own strength. I need Him. </b>I need His grace.<b> </b>I have to lay down my inadequacies and hang-ups and cast those worries onto Jesus. Because he can handle the things that scare me and overwhelm my soul. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZRu7937hpdEIG9FYR7ocgFnHhukd_YSOCMrXXSHwhk4HzDKNiH5fVtGt-iPbpUGzSWS8yxCbwBH5fKKW85Eu4mHyWMwJYdiwpoBkAymFHFuXsIiAp4D3DTnCXw1-7mfMiX1nTSpnpgc/s1600/Gracee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZRu7937hpdEIG9FYR7ocgFnHhukd_YSOCMrXXSHwhk4HzDKNiH5fVtGt-iPbpUGzSWS8yxCbwBH5fKKW85Eu4mHyWMwJYdiwpoBkAymFHFuXsIiAp4D3DTnCXw1-7mfMiX1nTSpnpgc/s640/Gracee.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let's face it, I can't do everything. Perfection is unattainable. Yet in His perfect love, He extends grace to my momentary freak-outs when life feels too much for me to handle. <b>But these moments are good, they're important. Because they make me seek a little change of perspective. </b></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! // Psalm 61:1-4</blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1