Deep Depths

You won't be hearing from for a while, as I must submerge myself into the deep depths of the plethora of marking. It may be some time until I can come up for some air and enter back into the world of reality. But, for now, year 9 awaits...

A Special Time of Year.

Be warned!!  The following is incredibly nostalgic and soppy.  I apologise, but I'm sure you will forgive my momentary bout of strong affection at this time.

During this time of Easter, I am always reminded of the happy memories of Camp Kaloona.  Looking back, these were such important times in my life.  Camp Kaloona provided great opportunities for me to be with my family and friends, who were such great role models for me.  It was a time for me to be encouraged by God and his word, in a way that helped me to focus on God and how He wanted me to live.  Not only was this a great time of spiritual encouragement, but it was also a special time where I could see, year after year, the coolest guy I knew.  Every year I would be so excited to see Dave, I would wait with "bated breath", terribly anxious and nervous to see if he would be there. Every year, once I was at camp, I would try my hardest to not look like I liked him in the least (of which, I hastened to add, I failed terribly).  Every year, I would do such ridiculous acts in order to get Dave's attention: chasing Dave around the camp trying to take a photo of him, giving him my easter eggs, giving him my pocket money, sending him love letters, engraving "B.T. loves D.R." on the flying fox tree, and so on.  As you could probably tell, my actions were not terribly subtle, but were pretty innocuous (I am not in the least like that now).  But, every year, Dave would steadfastly ignore my blatant attempts to attain his affection.  How did two, completely opposite people get together?  By God's doing I am sure.

I always find this time of year very special.

A Brand New Day

We went to church today and this is a message from our Pastor:

"The thing that we celebrate today is the most significant event in human history.  The resurrection of Jesus marks the dawn of a new age.  In the resurrection of Jesus, eternal life invades this world that is scarred by sin, suffering and death, and offers us the hope of new life where all those things are done away with.

"The resurrection of jesus reminds us of the future for all who trust in him; the day of our resurrection is coming.

"That is worth celebrating!"

Craig Schafer

(VHCC pastor)

26 TODAY!!

Today is my Birthday.  A BIG thank you to all my friends and family who sent their best wishes to me today.  I had a great day and got some great pressies.  These flowers were given to me by Dave - isn't he just lovely?

A Questiony Meme

I was tagged by my sister to do this questiony meme.  So, here it is...

1. Were you named after anyone? Not that I'm aware of...I wish I was, in a way.
2. When was the last time you cried? Well, I shed a little tear when I read my sister's blog, 'To infinity and back'.  It was adorable.
3. Do you like your handwriting? Yes.  It has a certain “teacher” character to it.
4. What is your favourite lunch meat? Ham (can't stand devon!)
5. Do you have kids? Not as yet...sometime I hope
6. If you were another person would you be friends with you? I think I'd find me irritating and bossy, although we'd have some intelligent conversations!
7. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Yes, all the time, it's my biggest weapon.
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes.
9. Would you bungee jump? No.  I hate the feeling of falling.  I'm not a big risk-taker.
10. What is your favourite cereal? I'm not a hug cereal fan.  But, I'd have to say my favourite is 'Just Right',
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Yes, but only after years of getting sick of trying to untie the knots in my shoelaces caused by impatience.
12. Do you think you are strong? I think that God has made me strong in some ways - teaching, dealing with students, etc. - but I still definitely need to be strengthened in other ways -  I lack self-discipline when it comes to some things.
13. What is your favourite ice cream? Anything with caramel in it, especially magnum 'ego'  ice creams.
14. What is the first thing you notice about people? Hmmm...I guess their sense of humour.  I like people who make me laugh.
15. Red or pink? I love red - red clothes, red shoes, red roses, etc.  
16. What is the thing that you like least about yourself? Physically, my teeth.  I also don't like the way that I can be insensitive at times.
17. Who do you miss the most? Usually David because he's often at work when I'm at home.  Also, the friends with whom I've lost contact.
18. What colour pants and shoes are you wearing? Not wearing any!
19. Have you ever re-gifted? No
20. What are you listening to right now? The T.V. ("So You Think You Can Dance?") and the incessant cicadas outside.
21. If you were a crayon what colour would you be? Purple. 
22. Favourite smells? The smell after it rains.  Also, fresh coffee beans and cooking toast in the mornings.
23. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? The Chinese Takeaway restaurant. 
24. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes, very much! She's my big sister!
25. Favourite sports to watch? I love watching the AFL.
26. Hair colour? Mouse-brown, but I like to "enhance" the colour through "natural" blonde highlights.
27. Eye colour? Blue.
28. Do you wear contacts? Yes.  But when I'm tired I don’t wear them as  they irritate my eyes.
29. Favourite food? I don't think I can choose.  I like all food.  I've just made a caramel slice, that can be my favourite for today.
30. Scary movies or happy endings? I hate being scared (I have an over-active imagination), so I'll say happy endings.  Although, I don't like them when they're "mushy".
31. Last movie you watched? The Nanny Diaries – it wasn’t as bad as I had expected, although it wasn't great either.
32. What colour shirt are you wearing? Not wearing one.  I am wearing something, though - a blue dress.
33. Summer or winter? Definitely summer - I love hot summer days.
34. Hugs or kisses? I love both (from my husband).  I especially love "hot kisses". 
35. Favourite dessert? Apple crumble with custard or cheesecake.
36. What book are you reading now? "Northern Lights" (the book that was made into the movie, "The Golden Compass") and "Caesar's Women".
37. What is on your mousepad? Don't use one.  There're over-rated anyway.
38. What did you watch on tv last night?"So You Think You can Dance?"
39. Favourite sound? That's a tough one...probably the peace and quiet of dusk, or good jazz music.
40. Rolling stones or Beatles? Definitely The Beatles.
41. What is the furthest you have been from home? Scotland, I think.
42. Do you have a special talent? Not that I'm aware of.
43. Where born? Sydney, NSW, Australia.

That Spectacle of Too Much Weight For Me...

Easter is approaching (sooner than we’re used to) and I was reflecting on a poem by John Donne, Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward.  One of the great things about teaching English is that you get the opportunity to read and study a range texts, and usually ones that you wouldn't necessarily look at.  I’ve always felt that this is quite a poignant poem and, for me, I find it particularly moving where the speaker asks, “Could I behold those hands, which span the poles/And tune all spheres at once, pierced with those holes”, to grasp “that spectacle of too much weight for me".   I’ve just provided some of the poem here.  I hope it helps you to reflect on Good Friday the day where “we see God die”.

 

Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward

by John Donne

…Hence is't, that I am carried towards the west,

This day, when my soul's form bends to the East.

There I should see a Sun by rising set,

And by that setting endless day beget.

But that Christ on His cross did rise and fall,

Sin had eternally benighted all.

Yet dare I almost be glad, I do not see

That spectacle of too much weight for me.

Who sees God’s face, that is self-life, must die;

What a death were it then to see God die?

It made His own lieutenant, Nature, shrink,

It made His footstool crack, and the sun wink.

Could I behold those hands, which span the poles

And tune all spheres at once, pierced with those holes?

Could I behold that endless height, which is

Zenith to us and our antipodes,

Humbled below us? Or that blood, which is

The seat of all our soul's, if not of His,

Made dirt of dust, or that flesh which was worn

By God for His apparel, ragg'd and torn?

If on these things I durst not look, durst I

On His distressed Mother cast mine eye,

Who was God's partner here, and furnish'd thus

Half of that sacrifice which ransom'd us?

Though these things as I ride be from mine eye,

They're present yet unto my memory,

For that looks towards them; and Thou look'st towards me,

O Saviour, as Thou hang'st upon the tree.

I turn my back to thee but to receive

Corrections till Thy mercies bid Thee leave.

O think me worth Thine anger, punish me,

Burn off my rust, and my deformity;

Restore Thine image, so much, by Thy grace,

That Thou mayst know me, and I'll turn my face. 

Cross in My Pocket

I was given this poem by my friend Claire from church.  I went to a ladies lunch at the Razz with all the women from my church.  Claire had made up some small presents for everyone, including a small silver cross with this poem.  I thought it was such a thoughtful gift (which pretty much sums up my friend Claire).

Cross in My Pocket

I carry a cross in my pocket

A simple reminder to me

Of the fact that I am a Christian

No matter where I may be.

 

This little cross is not magic

Nor is it a good luck charm.

It isn't meant to protect me.

From every physical harm.

 

It's not for identification

For all the world to see.

It's simply an understanding

Between my Savior and me.

                

When I put my hand in my pocket

To bring out a coin or key.

The cross is there to remind me

Of the price he paid for me.

           

It reminds me, too, to be thankful

For my blessings day by day

And strive to serve him better

In all that I do and say.

           

It's also a daily reminder

Of the peace and comfort I share

With all who know my master

And give themselves to his care.

               

So, I carry a cross in my pocket

Reminding no one but me

That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life

If only I'll let him be.

Written & Copyrighted by Verna Mae Thomas

28 TODAY!

Today is Dave's birthday - Hip-Hip Hooray!!!  My brother, Mike, Dave and I went to the cricket, the Sheffield Shield at the SCG, for Dave's special day.  We watched NSW play Victoria.  We saw some great wickets.

HELLO

Here's my first post.  Hello to everyone.  I will try and be regular in my posts!