service

no choice

bystander

cross|one

carry the cross

compelled

Happy Anniversary Baby...

"If you live to be a hundred, I want
To live to be a hundred minus one day,
So I never have to live without you."
Winnie the Pooh

Tomorrow, (18th March 2007) is our 12th Wedding Anniversary (Jonathan & Me). And so we decided to go out tonight to celebrate.

I have to say that this year has been one of the best years ever together. It seems to only ever get better these days, and I love him more now than I did when we met. Back then, it was infatuation. I loved the way he was arty, caring, loyal, sweet, attractive and a few other things we won't say here ;). He is still all of those things, but he is much much more to me now.

Beyond a doubt the love we share is real. It has stood the test of time, some stress (3 pregnancies, labours and children - lol) and we've both grown a lot (outwards, not just inwardly - hehehe!). What I really want to say here is simple - Sweetie, I hope we get to spend the rest of our lives together, that we grow old and wrinkly together! I LOVE YOU!

Hands & Feet Project

So, here I am, starting my project for "Stations of the Cross" this Easter. Stations of the Cross is an art installation our community is doing this year.

I hope to be doing station 7 - Simon of Cyrene carry's the cross. The bible speaks about this act three times (in Matthew, Mark & Luke). It has been interesting researching him, as not a lot is known about him. He was a bystander, chosen (forced) by the Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross, after He collapsed unable to carry it any further.

Matthew 27:32 Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.

Mark 15:21 A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.)

Luke 23:26 As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

My concept was birthed at church on Sunday (see this post) and revolved around hands & feet representing what Christ did for us and what we are compelled to do in return.

A few brain-storming ideas:-
* Hands & Feet represent service (Simon carrying the cross).
* Jesus’ Hands & Feet were pierced.
* We are called to be His Hand’s and Feet (going about His business).
* I am thinking a pile of empty drink can’s representing us (we can feel discard able & empty). Some are battered, crushed – but represent us (followers of Christ) who are called to serve and be Jesus to others. There is some feeling of being compelled to serve God in this way – just like Simon was forced to carry the cross. We can no longer remain passive “passer-by’s”, action is required.
* The concept of the cans is also an interactive one – whereas the viewer is required (need I say it – compelled) to pick them up and take a look making it a tactile station.
* The cans will have 1-3 word statements on them relating to Simon of Cyrene and the verses above.
* Stenciled images of hands, feet, crosses speak of the subject of service - DOING!

I got the idea of art on discarded drink cans from the art of Rik Catlow, although mine is definitely not as good as his - it is a tribute to the idea of using recycled items as canvas.

I will let you all know the times/dates the stations of the cross installation will be open later - I hope that you might take this opportunity to spend easter in contemplation of what has been done for us.

I am a Caramel Crunch Donut

KUDOS to Jean - I had fun filling this one in!

You Are a Caramel Crunch Donut

You're a complex creature, and you're guilty of complicating things for fun. You've been known to sit around pondering the meaning of life... Or at times, pondering the meaning of your doughnut. To frost or not to frost? To fill or not to fill? These are your eternal questions.

What Donut Are You?

HANDS & FEET

I always seem to ponder more about the why and what of Jesus at this time of Lent. We're getting close to the time that we celebrate the death and LIFE (he rose from the dead) of Jesus. And it amazes me to think about why He did that and what it all means, both in a personal and global way.

At the moment I am thinking HANDS & FEET.
Which can mean various things; he was pierced in his hands (wrists) and feet, hands and feet can portray the act of DOING something (walking, helping, acting, contributing).

It came to me last night at church, Melissa was talking about a Stations of the Cross installation that we will be doing, and immediately my mind was thinking HANDS & FEET. The image of the cross with red hands and feet all over it (ours) - you see WE are the reason he was there. He did it for us, with His own blood. Hmmmmm! Something to really ponder!

And then, there's the Audio Adrenaline song that's been playing in my head since I woke up (well, since Jonathan woke me up at 5.30am - EEEK!!!) And reading the lyrics, as they are below, reminds me of one of the verses that was highlighted by Melissa last night; Romans 7:15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Lot's of do's there, but in a sense it's talking about the struggle to do what is right. It isn't always easy - but then the best way is almost never the easy route!

Hands And Feet lyrics by AUDIO ADRENALINE

An image flashed across my TV screen
Another broken heart comes in to view
I saw the pain and I turned my back
Why can't I do the things I want to?
I'm willing yet I'm so afraid
You give me strength
When I say

CHORUS

I want to be your hands
I want to be your feet
I'll go where you send me
I'll go where you send me

REPEAT CHORUS

And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like You touched my life
And I'll find my way
To be your hands
I've abandoned every selfish thought
I've surrendered every thing I've got
You can have everything I am
And perfect everything I'm not
I'm willing, I'm not afraid
You give me strength
When I say

CHORUS 2X

And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like You touched my life
And I'll find my way...

BRIDGE

This is the last time
I turn my back on You
From now on, I'll go out
Send me where You want me to
I finally have a mission
I promise I'll complete
I don't need excuses
When I am your hands and feet
(I am your hands and feet)
(hands... feet... go... go...)

CHORUS 3X

I will go
I will go where you send me
I will go
I will go where you send me
I will go, go
I will go, go
I will go, go where you send me

CHORUS

babies, babies everywhere!

It seems to me that all the married couples I know are either pregnant or have wee babes at the moment. It is a fantastic time of new life and memories of my own pregnancies (not that mine were great or anything - I was sick the entire time!). Yet, there is a feeling of expectancy and joy around me.

It has brought up some interesting feelings. It would be a "miracle" if we had another child, and yet, it makes me think - "what if...". Very quickly that "what if..." changes into a big "Noooooo!" But it is hard not to be clucky when I know 10 (at least) pregnant women. Most of these women are around my age (early 30's) having their first, second and third children (actually 2 are onto number 5 & 6 - as scary as that sounds).

And here is me - I have three girls, ages 10, 8 & 7. A complete family, I thought. In a way, it's a good thing hubby got the "snip", as we may be, like an old friend of mine, on to number 6 (or was it 7?) I am hoping my friends will lend me their babies to hold when they arrive, let them cry a little around me, tell me their scary labour stories - all to scare me back into the reality of child birth and raising. :)

Breathe Deep

Since, both Jonathan and Vania have posted about our last cell group meeting where we watched the Nooma - Breathe, I thought I should write about a song it brought to my mind...

Breathe Deep (The Breath of God) 1996 - THE LOST DOGS
(from the album "Green Room Serenade, Part One)

Politicians, morticians, Philistines, homophobes
Skinheads, Dead heads, tax evaders, street kids
Alcoholics, workaholics, wise guys, dim wits
Blue collars, white collars, war mongers, peace nicks

Breathe deep
Breathe deep the Breath of God
Breathe deep
Breathe deep the Breath of God

Suicidals, rock idols, shut-ins, drop outs
Friendless, homeless, penniless and depressed
Presidents, residents, foreigners and aliens
Dissidents, feminists, xenophobes and chauvinists

Evolutionists, creationists, perverts, slum lords
Dead-beats, athletes, Protestants and Catholics
Housewives, neophytes, pro-choice, pro-life
Misogynists, monogamists, philanthropists, blacks and whites

Police, obese, lawyers, and government
Sex offenders, tax collectors, war vets, rejects
Atheists, Scientists, racists, sadists
Photographers, biographers, artists, pornographers

Gays and lesbians, demagogues and thespians
The disabled, preachers, doctors and teachers
Meat eaters, wife beaters, judges and juries
Long hair, no hair, everybody everywhere!

To me it speaks of God being available to us all - we need to "Breathe DEEP, Breathe deep the BREATH of GOD!" Also it speaks to me about the lack of perfection in all of us - I am sure that we could find ourselves somewhere in that song - and it's true God is available to us all! Taking a breath means, to me, pausing, reflecting, slowing down... And so I take this breath, this moment to reflect on God and what he means to us all.

The things we do... today I spent a good 2-3 hours writing out "missed-you" notes to 43 people who haven't been to Mainly Music in a while.

I also took the girls out to choose Daddy their birthday present to him... Tomorrows the day he turns 36!

I have been real slack in the exercise department the last few days - mainly because I have just been so busy, preparing for birthdays, tidying up Mainly Music stuff.

And I realise this is a fairly boring post, but my mind is all mush. Where did the brain power go?

life in order...

so now I am getting my fitness and health in order - I think I really need to get my organisation of my life in order.

I have just realised that I thought there was an extra week before hubby's and Briahna's (daughter #3) birthdays... EEEK when I realised that they are just a week away. Jonathan's birthday is on Wednesday 28th February (he'll be 36) and Briahna's is on Thursday 1st March (she'll be 7).

Also, as facilitator of one of the cell-group's for our church I think I got the dates wrong - hmmmm - I think I had really better get myself a diary to make sure it doesn't happen again! At least cell isn't going to be on Briahna's birthday like I thought it was...

Speaking of Briahna - I decided to do a birthday party for her this year, since last year we didn't, and since 7 is a nice birthday to celebrate. We've invited quite a few of her little friends and so it should be quite fun. I just wish I was as into it as I was for the other 2 who had huge birthday bashes (themed, with loads of organised games etc.). At this time of the year I just can't seem to get into it at all. It's very hard to believe that my little baby is growing up.

5 weeks in...

So... 5 weeks ago I decided I better do something about my weight. Over the past 11 years of married life I had gone from a size 12 to a size 18. Yes, I'd had 3 babies in that time and have had a contented married life - but that's no excuse! I'd let myself go, without even realising it.

So, what to do... I had some idea, and I knew I didn't want to "diet". I wanted to show my family that we could all live healthy lives. So I embarked on a journey of eating in moderation, drinking the recommended daily water (6-8 glasses), and exercising daily. I've had a few hiccups - went on holiday, fell apart during "that time of the month" and a few depressing moments. Today, though, I put on some clothes that were TIGHT in December and noticed that my stomach is flatter (unfortunately, my boob's are smaller - TMI I know... but I never was greatly endowed, so...).

I've lost 3kg since the first weigh-in, which I guess is good for 5 weeks. Especially when you consider that I've gained some muscle weight. It's obvious my body is changing shape.

For someone who dreaded exercise, and would rather drive to the dairy (less than 2 km's away) than walk - I've changed, I don't think my old self would recognise the new me at all! The other thing that's shocking about it all is that I'm enjoying it!!! SCARY! I've been alternating my exercise between doing a half hour walk/jog (using fitness-to-go workout), doing a exercise ball workout and using my stationary bike - making sure I do at least 30 minutes a day. I bought a heart rate pedometer yesterday, which is great encouragement to do better everyday. My goal is to change from being sedentary to being active.

The other thing I've noticed about all these changes is that it affects your mood so much - I yell less. Which of course, my family is happy about. I feel calmer and more settled. This time last week I walked 5 km in the Molenburg SUB Stride/Ride. That's me and my good friend Jo in the photo! I am accomplishing things I would never have dreamed of 5 weeks ago!

my new nephew

Welcome to our world, little one!

Isn't he cute!!! I want to reach right into the screen and hug him - unfortunately he lives in Christchurch and I in Auckland. He is just so sweet!

Here is the announcement I just received from his daddy! (I hope he doesn't mind me having it here on my blog - I just thought it was just so damn cute not to have it here)

Hullo,

My name is Massimo Tomas Davies-Patrick. (Cool name, huh?). Here's a photo of me at one and a half days old. I'm pretty cute I reckon – mum and dad say it's all because of them, but that's the sleep deprivation talking.

I arrived one week after my due date, on February 12, 2007, at exactly 6.28pm, weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces. Mum and dad wanted to have me at home, but after mum labouring away for 14 hours, and me deciding after weeks of perfect positioning to wriggle my way back out, we all went to the hospital in the car (poor mum).

Once there, mum fell in love with the anesthetist who gave her the epidural – mum was much happier and now talking nicely to everyone around her. Mum then thought she have a go at pushing, and "Tah-DAH!" - one and a half hours later, I popped out!

Mum did an amazing job, and dad was pretty good, he caught me and cut my umbilical cord, and the midwives and everyone at the hospital were so nice too. We're really grateful to everyone for making my arrival such a good one.

So now I'm at home, sleeping for 4 hours at a stretch, breast-feeding really well and generally just being cute and gorgeous. Mum is a little tired, but that's mainly because she can't stop looking at me all the time, and dad's just really happy I'm here.

We're really looking forward to seeing you all as soon as we can. In the meantime, hopefully this photo will suffice.

Thanks heaps to everyone who has been thinking and praying for me and mum and dad.

Love you lots,

Massimo (or just "Mo" is fine)
XXOO

Come, follow me...

“Come, follow me” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:19-20

How challenging is that! Jesus says,” Come, follow me.” And AT ONCE they drop everything and follow him.

To be honest, I’m not sure I would be so quick to follow. I might complain about being busy, needing an income, being afraid etc. You get the drift, I have many excuses, none of them really important about why I don’t think I can do something for God.

I want to change that!

I would like to run when He calls me - I want to be tuned into what He is asking me to do. I am getting excited about all the people whose lives are going to be changed because I am listening to His call – COME, FOLLOW ME!

My life has been changed. I want to shout it from the rooftops! I want to be a “fisher of men”. I don’t want to make any excuses anymore. I have one life to live and I want to make it count.

They left their livelihood for Jesus. They left everything they knew to go into a world of uncertainty – relying on the fact that they would be okay. God continues to provide for his followers, even though, it looks ridiculous to rely totally on Him for food, money, roof over your head – He always provides.

Postscript:
I am going through a phase of wondering where I am in my relationship with God. Challenging myself to work-out my faith. I don’t believe you have to “do” anything to be saved – it is a free gift given by God, waiting to be accepted by us. My faith actions are my gift back to him – the cool thing about it is, I don’t have to do it – I choose to do it. It is my personal act of worship to my maker. For example, when I volunteer to do Mainly Music; I do it not for myself; I do it for the children and mothers (and some fathers too!) who may never know God otherwise. I want to share the fantastic message of God’s love and peace! A peace I know can conquer any anxiety I may be feeling. So, yeah, this is where I’m at, at the moment…

What did I do when I wasn't blogging...

Well, I read and it was good! Last year, I didn't get a whole lot of time to read - in between homeschooling, housekeeping, Mainly Music and church and keeping up with family and friends I was just kept too busy for the fun things like reading a good book. It was nice to spend some long mornings languishing in bed with a good read.

It all started with a Jeffrey Archer book that I managed to grab from Whitcoulls for $10, a major bargain. Especially since I am an avid fan of his books. I have read them all (apart from the non-fiction version of his stay in prison - that didn't interest me so much).

False Impression was a riveting read - I just couldn't put it down! Jeffrey Archer is a fantastic story-teller and you can't wait to find out which paths he will take you on till the books conclusion. After reading one of his books it takes me a day or so to get over it - I feel bereft of the people in the book. You feel such a part of the action - like you are really there! A great read!


Under the Overpass is a book I have been wanting to read for ages, but with a lack of reading time it was put in the "must-do-sometime" pile. Well, with time on my hands and a husband to watch the kids while I read... I finally did it.

Under the Overpass was written by a guy and his friend who decided to take 5 months out to really "live" on the streets of America, something most people don't get to choose. It was an interesting compelling read, making you think about how blessed you really are to have a roof over your head and food on the table, and how we take that for granted most of the time. It made me grateful about what God has provided for me.


Killing Fields Living Fields is a book I have had on my bedside table for a good six months. I have read small portions of it every few days or so. Unlike the other two books above which I read in 1-2 days, this one was much more challenging. Written, as the title suggests, about Cambodia and her difficult history, it is, at times, a harrowing read. It was mind-blowing at times, and I have come away forever changed after reading about what it was like to live under Pol-Pot and the Khmer-Rouge. We have no idea, here in our lovely land of NZ in 2007, what it is like to live under a revolution or in fact genocide. I hope we never do find that out.



This is the book I am currently reading - The Art of Prayer - Conversations with God. It is written in a easily understandable manner and has been revolutionary to the way I view God and prayer.

I will write more about this one when I have finished it...

first post of the year :)

Well, here we are well into the new year (well 11 days into it anyway) and even though I have had access to my computer, I haven't felt at all like blogging - I am thinking it was the extraordinary amount of posts I did for advent. My 2-3 month quota filled in just 25 days...

I really don't like new years resolutions - I hardly ever keep to them and so it seems worthless to even make them, knowing my past history. The funny thing is, at the start of every year I go through feelings of being given a blank slate to start over with. I have grandiose ideas that I could do anything - lose those extra pounds, exercise, eat better etc. I am sure that I can do those things if I put my mind to it, it's just that my mind rarely cooperates. Last year in our little fledgling cell-group we looked at the chazown DVD series which is in a nut shell about living intentionally, with focus and a vision. Based upon the idea that "without a vision (or Chazown) the people perish". So even though I don't like resolutions, heres one anyway - I want to live intentionally. I want to be healthy, and that means I need to take control of my diet and exercise. Eat smaller portions. No pigging out on take-out food. Drink more water.

So HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all out there in Blogger-land, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New Year! It's never too late to start afresh.

xmas book 25|More Precious Than Gold

More Precious Than Gold (Paperback) by Gillian Lobel, Julie Monks (Illustrator)
Book Description
Overhead the night sky blazed with a million stars. But Caspar's star was different... Old Melchior the wise, Balthazar the good and Caspar the youngest, kind and gentle, journey to Bethlehem to discover the promise of this exciting star - the child born to be King of Kings. A touching and poetic story which captures the true meaning of Christmas.

Reason why I recommend this book...
This has got to be one of the best stories of Christmas. A tale of the journey of the three wise men who saw a star and followed it to see the King.