Getting Frank with Rich —
Boycott content thief - Rich Henry and his online magazine - Get Frank.
If you are a blogger, then it is highly likely that you have had the contents of your website stolen by Rich Henry. He is no better, or different than the thieves that break into people's homes in order to steal the contents, that people have worked hard to acquire.
Read the above link, for the full story.
November 30, 2010
Guilty plea, but victims still fighting Green Acres for money
Guilty plea, but victims still fighting Green Acres for money - National - NZ Herald News
That is not why this story interested me though. This story interested me because i noticed that his sentence of 3 years and 8 months in prison, means he will pretty much serve the same amount of time that Bruce Emery served, after chasing a kid 300 metres down the road, and stabbing him to death, over some paint on a fence.
Apparently money, and children's lives, are worth about the same, in the eyes of the New Zealand Justice Department. . Fraud and killing a child will attract the same sentence.
Awesome.
Former Green Acres master franchise holder Keith Lapham pleaded guilty yesterday to obtaining $3.525 million by deception, as his victims vowed to keep fighting for the money they believe they are owed.Wow. This man was really naughty. It is terrible how he stole money off naive and trusting people.
Ketan Trivedi, a victim of the Green Acres franchise scam that defrauded new migrants of millions of dollars, says their fight will continue.
Lapham, a former contractor from Fiji, pleaded guilty in the Auckland District Court yesterday to three charges relating to the scam, in which almost 200 people paid him for non-existent Green Acres ironing franchises and were promised $650 a week.
Another charge relates to people who gave him money to start their own operations. The amount allegedly obtained was $96,000.
The third charge is one of obtaining $244,800 and relates to misrepresentations he made to Green Acres about how many sub-franchises he had granted.
Lapham's lawyer, Peter Davey, told the court the amount of money his client took is in dispute.
The period of the scam, which the Serious Fraud Office said was between March and December 2007, is also in dispute and will be the subject of a hearing.
Lapham started as an ironing franchisee and then bought the master franchise for the Auckland area.
He was recognised as one of Green Acres' most successful operators, shortly before the fraud allegations were made.
Green Acres first became aware of problems when a group of unauthorised franchisees, many of them immigrants from India and China, contacted the firm with concerns.
Mr Trivedi said he was pleased that the criminal phase was over but a civil case in the High Court at Auckland was in its early stages.
He is among 62 people who have filed a High Court claim against Green Acres totalling $8.1 million.
Green Acres is defending the claim and has previously said the $8.1 million figure is inflated.
Mr Trivedi said many of the victims were struggling after losing their savings and having to pay back bank loans, usually between $15,000 and $20,000.
"Even if he does go to jail, the families are still struggling and they are not going to get their money back," he said.
Many of the victims could not rely on relatives for help because their families live overseas.
"They are struggling alone," Mr Trivedi said.
Lapham has been remanded on bail until the disputed facts hearing. His bail conditions were suppressed.
A forensic accountant from the SFO will give evidence at the hearing in November.
Green Acres management said in a statement yesterday that the company was pleased Lapham pleaded guilty.
"Everyone associated with Green Acres has worked extremely hard over the past two years to repair the damage done to the business and the firm's reputation as a result of Keith Lapham's actions," said spokesman Andrew Chisholm.
That is not why this story interested me though. This story interested me because i noticed that his sentence of 3 years and 8 months in prison, means he will pretty much serve the same amount of time that Bruce Emery served, after chasing a kid 300 metres down the road, and stabbing him to death, over some paint on a fence.
Apparently money, and children's lives, are worth about the same, in the eyes of the New Zealand Justice Department. . Fraud and killing a child will attract the same sentence.
Awesome.
Handling Family Problems
'...in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.' Genesis 12:3 NKJV
How true is that? If a person cannot manage a happy home and family life...then what right does he have to think he can control, or have any kind of authority over anything else? None...that is your answer.
I love point number 2. I used to get angry and say things that i shouldn't say...all the bloody time. These days, if i am mad, angry, or hurt about something...i tend to say nothing. I go extremely quiet. SOMEONE recently called this sulking - but it is not sulking. It is called thinking about why i am feeling that way, dealing with my feelings in my head, putting things into perspective and understanding how, and why i am feeling something, then deciding how do deal with it in a constructive, rather than angry and abusive, manner...as opposed to exploding in anger and foul mouthed abuse.
I look at the relationships in my life like this now - I liken them to a piece of clay pottery...lets say a lovely vase...every single angry word that we say, that we do not really mean, that we end up wishing that we could take back, is like a chip in that lovely vase. You can say sorry, for terrible behaviour and treating loved ones in an awful way, just like you can try to glue those chips back into their original place on the vase. It doesn't matter though, how well you repair that vase, after damaging it...it will never be like new again.
Keep chipping away at it, and eventually there will be nothing left...but dust. So it is the same with anger towards the people in our lives that we love. I don't want a chipped vase...or dust, and that is why i never speak when i am angry these days.
Danny and i turned our love into dust. I am never going to make that mistake again.
Right...i have a lot of running around to do today. Nicole has her final NCEA exam today, and then she is on holiday until February. She has done so well. I am so proud of her.
I went to bed with wet hair last night...and i have woken up looking like a cross between Rod Stewart, and Tina Turner. I need to fix this. haha
In order to bless all the families of the earth, Abraham had to start with his own family. Before a man could qualify for leadership in the New Testament church, they examined his home life. Their thinking was, 'If he doesn't succeed there, don't enlarge his territory.'
But if you're going to enjoy God's blessing as a family you must learn to cope with difficulties. So:
(1) Try to remember that you're all on the same team. Don't take your frustrations out on your loved ones. Too often, home is where we go when we're tired of being 'nice'.
(2) Before you speak, get the facts. Nothing's more damaging than jumping to conclusions. 'Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything' ...
(3) Handle it with wisdom. List all your options and you'll be more objective. That's how you'd handle a problem at work; why not do the same with your family?
(4) Find something good in the situation. 'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God...' No matter how bad things seem, every situation holds something positive–look for it.
(5) Make sure they know you love them. It's okay to express how you feel so long as you do it graciously. But make sure your family knows you love them. When people feel loved they can weather almost any crisis. Think: when do you need God's love most? When you deserve it least! Try to follow suit.
How true is that? If a person cannot manage a happy home and family life...then what right does he have to think he can control, or have any kind of authority over anything else? None...that is your answer.
I love point number 2. I used to get angry and say things that i shouldn't say...all the bloody time. These days, if i am mad, angry, or hurt about something...i tend to say nothing. I go extremely quiet. SOMEONE recently called this sulking - but it is not sulking. It is called thinking about why i am feeling that way, dealing with my feelings in my head, putting things into perspective and understanding how, and why i am feeling something, then deciding how do deal with it in a constructive, rather than angry and abusive, manner...as opposed to exploding in anger and foul mouthed abuse.
I look at the relationships in my life like this now - I liken them to a piece of clay pottery...lets say a lovely vase...every single angry word that we say, that we do not really mean, that we end up wishing that we could take back, is like a chip in that lovely vase. You can say sorry, for terrible behaviour and treating loved ones in an awful way, just like you can try to glue those chips back into their original place on the vase. It doesn't matter though, how well you repair that vase, after damaging it...it will never be like new again.
Keep chipping away at it, and eventually there will be nothing left...but dust. So it is the same with anger towards the people in our lives that we love. I don't want a chipped vase...or dust, and that is why i never speak when i am angry these days.
Danny and i turned our love into dust. I am never going to make that mistake again.
Right...i have a lot of running around to do today. Nicole has her final NCEA exam today, and then she is on holiday until February. She has done so well. I am so proud of her.
I went to bed with wet hair last night...and i have woken up looking like a cross between Rod Stewart, and Tina Turner. I need to fix this. haha
November 29, 2010
Warrant out for Customline Ford
Warrant out for Customline Ford - National - NZ Herald News
I bet he would come right if he changed his name to Holden. Holdens are so much sexier.
Wairarapa police are looking for 21 year-old Customline Ford, who has a warrant for his arrest, for breaching court-imposed bail conditions.I had to read this twice before working out that no...the police have not issued a warrant to arrest a vehicle. They SHOULD however, issue an arrest warrant for this poor kid's parents. How evil.
Detective Tracey Calder said Ford is facing charges including burglary, theft from a motor vehicle and receiving.
"We believe Ford is in the Wairarapa or Wellington areas and would like to speak to anyone who may know his whereabouts."
Ford has gang connections and should not be approached.
I bet he would come right if he changed his name to Holden. Holdens are so much sexier.
What Would You Do?
Michael Laws backs son of Hells Angels member for council - National - NZ Herald News
If you knew where a criminal was hiding, in order to avoid being arrested? If you knew that the president of a gang was avoiding capture by hiding in a local hotel...would you, as a law abiding member of society, phone the police and advise them of his whereabouts?
Would you expect your mayor, or local government official to do the same? I know i would.
On October 9th, this year, which happened to be election night for the local body elections, here in New Zealand, Jack Bullock's father was in hiding, in Wanganui, at a local hotel, in order to avoid the NZ Police enforcing a warrant to arrest him that had been issued.
Michael Laws knew about the arrest warrant, and also knew of this criminal's whereabouts...and did NOTHING about it. He did not phone the police to advise them of his whereabouts. He instead, laughed about how the police could not even find Wanganui's most wanted criminal, and father of newly elected council member, when he had not even left the city.
How would i know that Jack's father had a warrant for his arrest on the night of the election, or that he was hiding in a local hotel room, if Michael had not laughed about it to me? I wouldn't.
What does that tell you? Corruption much? or maybe he just didn't want his supply to dry up.
If you knew where a criminal was hiding, in order to avoid being arrested? If you knew that the president of a gang was avoiding capture by hiding in a local hotel...would you, as a law abiding member of society, phone the police and advise them of his whereabouts?
Would you expect your mayor, or local government official to do the same? I know i would.
On October 9th, this year, which happened to be election night for the local body elections, here in New Zealand, Jack Bullock's father was in hiding, in Wanganui, at a local hotel, in order to avoid the NZ Police enforcing a warrant to arrest him that had been issued.
Michael Laws knew about the arrest warrant, and also knew of this criminal's whereabouts...and did NOTHING about it. He did not phone the police to advise them of his whereabouts. He instead, laughed about how the police could not even find Wanganui's most wanted criminal, and father of newly elected council member, when he had not even left the city.
How would i know that Jack's father had a warrant for his arrest on the night of the election, or that he was hiding in a local hotel room, if Michael had not laughed about it to me? I wouldn't.
What does that tell you? Corruption much? or maybe he just didn't want his supply to dry up.
Character - The Beauty That Lasts
"... clothe yourselves... with the beauty that comes from within... " - 1 Peter 3:4 NLT
I had another fantastic day in the sun yesterday, and a relaxing evening with the kids. I took Nixon on our ten k run, at about 6pm last night. I waited for the heat to die down a bit, and went later than i normally would have gone. Still...made it up to Howick, and Nixon decided that was enough for him. He had a nice long rest on a grass verge, and the rest of the "run" turned into a walk. I am grateful that i did not end up having to carry him home...it was touch and go there for awhile.
Maybe i need to take him to the hairdresser again, and get his fur trimmed. Just looking at him, with all that hair makes me feel like dying of heat stroke!
Had the best sleep ever...after that run. I need to get back to doing it every day.
When it comes to beauty, get your perspective right: 'Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes... clothe yourselves... with the beauty that comes from within... ' (1 Peter 3:3-4 NLT).Isn't that a gorgeous story? and so true? I feel more beautiful at 40, than i ever did in my 20s...and that has everything to do with how i feel about myself from the inside. People can mock that logic, all day long, and they do...but those people don't know what real beauty, happiness, or goodness is.
The public relations department of a beauty products company asked its customers to send pictures along with brief letters, describing the most beautiful women they knew. Thousands of letters came in. One caught the attention of the employees and was passed on to the president. It was written by a boy from a broken home who lived in a run-down neighbourhood.
With lots of spelling errors, an excerpt from his letter read: 'A beautiful woman lives down the street from me. I visit her every day. She makes me feel like the most important kid in the world. We play checkers and she listens to my problems. She understands me. When I leave she always yells out the door that she's proud of me.' The boy ended his letter saying, 'This picture shows you that she is the most beautiful woman in the world, and one day I hope to have a wife as pretty as her.'
Intrigued, the president asked to see the woman's picture. His secretary handed him a photograph of a smiling, toothless woman, well advanced in years, sitting in a wheelchair. Sparse grey hair was pulled back in a bun. The wrinkles that formed deep furrows on her face were somehow diminished by the twinkle in her eyes. 'We can't use this woman,' said the president, smiling. 'She would show the world that our products aren't necessary to be beautiful.'
I had another fantastic day in the sun yesterday, and a relaxing evening with the kids. I took Nixon on our ten k run, at about 6pm last night. I waited for the heat to die down a bit, and went later than i normally would have gone. Still...made it up to Howick, and Nixon decided that was enough for him. He had a nice long rest on a grass verge, and the rest of the "run" turned into a walk. I am grateful that i did not end up having to carry him home...it was touch and go there for awhile.
Maybe i need to take him to the hairdresser again, and get his fur trimmed. Just looking at him, with all that hair makes me feel like dying of heat stroke!
Had the best sleep ever...after that run. I need to get back to doing it every day.
November 28, 2010
Willie Nelson busted for pot
Willie Nelson busted for pot - World - NZ Herald News
The poor old bugger. He was getting arrested for pot offences back in the 70's and 80's and he's still doing it.
I still love him though.
Who doesn't love that song? and have someone from their past that it makes them think of?
I always tell myself that i am over Danny now. That i don't miss him anymore...or love him. Then i hear a song like this...and realise that i'm not. I still miss you sometimes, Danny.
The poor old bugger. He was getting arrested for pot offences back in the 70's and 80's and he's still doing it.
I still love him though.
Who doesn't love that song? and have someone from their past that it makes them think of?
I always tell myself that i am over Danny now. That i don't miss him anymore...or love him. Then i hear a song like this...and realise that i'm not. I still miss you sometimes, Danny.
Glamour model swears it's not P but fake snow
Glamour model swears it's not P but fake snow - National - NZ Herald News
Fake snow from the $2 shop huh? I have no doubt that she is telling the truth. I wonder how well fake snow burns, in a glass pipe?
Something tells me that this girl is safer in the Police's hands, than she would have been had she been selling P that she had cut with fake snow, to crackheads in the Manawatu region - or any region, for that matter. She should be counting her lucky stars that she got arrested.
The Police are not stupid. They would have gone through her phone. They have the cash ,the scales, and the bags.
Her profit margins would have been enormous, but that kind of work would make mining look safe. To top it off she admits it was fake, on the front page of the HOS. Clearly, the drugs have gotten to this girl's brain.
Crazy girl.
Even her lawyer admitted that glamour model Erin Alberino risked looking a bit "stupid" down the track.
The aspiring actress was arrested after police allegedly found $500,000 worth of P during a raid on a suspected meth house in the Manawatu town of Feilding this week.
But the 23-year-old explained to a judge that, far from pure methamphetamine, the substance was fake snow purchased from The $2 Shop, the Manawatu Standard reported.
Lawyer Fergus Steedman told Palmerston North District Court that his client's situation could change once experts from Environmental Science and Research (ESR) completed testing on the white residue.
Alberino now faces a nervous wait until her next court appearance in December.
An ESR spokeswoman said test results in methamphetamine cases are returned to police in around a month.
Alberino was charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply, possessing cannabis, and permitting a vehicle to be used in the commission of an offence.
Judge Gerard Lynch bailed Alberino to her parent's home in Palmerston North under strict 24-hour curfew.
Alberino said yesterday: "I am not ready to make any comments to media at this point in time. Thank you."
Steedman added: "She won't speak to anybody. She hasn't yet and she won't. There's nothing more I can say. You can draw your own conclusions from that."
Two other men, David Reid, 45, of Feilding, and Shan Owen, 26, from Paihia, were also charged with serious drug offences relating to the raid which also netted a large sum of cash and scales.
Three young children were taken from the home while further investigations were carried out.
Alberino, whose online profile says she performed a simulated sex scene in Sky One drama Spartacus, now faces the prospect of losing several lucrative modelling jobs.
Extreme clothing label Freestyle Industries owner Neil Lindsay, who has employed Alberino for several years, said he was considering removing her image from its website.
"This has come as a complete shock. She's someone that a lot of the girls looked up to as a role model," he said.
He said Alberino moved to Hamilton around five months ago to further her career.
Alberino has had parts in TV shows Go Girls and Wanna Ben, and had previously said she was being lined up for a role in Shortland Street.
She has appeared twice on the cover of NZX Magazine, described as a hardcore pornography publication.
Fake snow from the $2 shop huh? I have no doubt that she is telling the truth. I wonder how well fake snow burns, in a glass pipe?
Something tells me that this girl is safer in the Police's hands, than she would have been had she been selling P that she had cut with fake snow, to crackheads in the Manawatu region - or any region, for that matter. She should be counting her lucky stars that she got arrested.
The Police are not stupid. They would have gone through her phone. They have the cash ,the scales, and the bags.
Her profit margins would have been enormous, but that kind of work would make mining look safe. To top it off she admits it was fake, on the front page of the HOS. Clearly, the drugs have gotten to this girl's brain.
Crazy girl.
When You're The Leader - 3
"... the leader should be like a servant." - Luke 22:26 NLT
I absolutely ADORE this message. Love love LOVE it.
I had an absolutely fantastic day yesterday. The sun was shining ALL DAY LONG. I got so much yard work done, and also managed to clean my car from the inside out. It looks all beautiful and new again. After that trip to Piha, and Nixon dragging black sand all through it...then the road trip, and everyone's rubbish...including McDonalds lettuce being strewn all through it...it was kinda looking like a gross car.
Not anymore.
Jorgia is back home from camp now, and after a 12 hour sleep, she is no longer the grumpy demon that i collected from the school yesterday afternoon. She was more than a little scary yesterday...she was that tired.
My lounge is full of Nicole and her friends. They went to another party last night, and i was left waiting up until midnight, waiting for them to get home. Now they are all blobbed out, watching the Saw movies.
I am going to spend another day, working in the yard, in my bikini, attempting to get a tan on! I heart summer.
Michael Bruner writes about how, as a brash young college student, he attended a lecture by a former U.S. Attorney General. He says: 'Afterwards I approached him to see if we could meet for coffee. To his associates' shock, he said, "How about tomorrow"... We met and talked for an hour... I peppered him with questions. What famous people had he met? What was it like to be Attorney General in the 60's? When I asked him who was the greatest person he'd ever met, he said, "I don't think of people in those terms."
He went on to tell me something I'll never forget. "Don't ever seek to be the greatest. Seek instead to do great things. If you aspire to greatness, your greatness will die with you. But if you aspire to do great things, your legacy will live on. The only way to do this is by being a servant. Lead by serving and you'll do great things."
I was too young in the faith to know he'd taken those words from Scripture... Jesus was the embodiment of servant leadership. He didn't just tell the disciples what they should do, he did it along with them... As I left the hotel that morning and waited to cross the street, a blind man with a seeing-eye dog came up alongside me. I stared at the beautiful Lab... his senses alert, his sole purpose in life to serve his... master. Then the light turned green and gently the dog led [him] across the street... God had sent me a living parable. I learned a lesson that morning I would never forget. Pursue great things, not greatness; lead by serving.'
I absolutely ADORE this message. Love love LOVE it.
I had an absolutely fantastic day yesterday. The sun was shining ALL DAY LONG. I got so much yard work done, and also managed to clean my car from the inside out. It looks all beautiful and new again. After that trip to Piha, and Nixon dragging black sand all through it...then the road trip, and everyone's rubbish...including McDonalds lettuce being strewn all through it...it was kinda looking like a gross car.
Not anymore.
Jorgia is back home from camp now, and after a 12 hour sleep, she is no longer the grumpy demon that i collected from the school yesterday afternoon. She was more than a little scary yesterday...she was that tired.
My lounge is full of Nicole and her friends. They went to another party last night, and i was left waiting up until midnight, waiting for them to get home. Now they are all blobbed out, watching the Saw movies.
I am going to spend another day, working in the yard, in my bikini, attempting to get a tan on! I heart summer.
November 27, 2010
Auckland; You voted for him
Keeping Stock: Auckland; You voted for him
ermmm Sorry KS but...no i didn't! ;)
Honesty - within limits, because only Jesus Christ had gone through as much scrutiny as poor old Len Brown and come out clean.
I would have voted for Andrew - i get drunk and send abusive emails and make a dork of myself on Facebook every night - Williams, before i voted for Len Brown...i think...maybe...hmmmm ok so i would have flipped a coin.
No - none of that surprises me, in the slightest.
ermmm Sorry KS but...no i didn't! ;)
Honesty - within limits, because only Jesus Christ had gone through as much scrutiny as poor old Len Brown and come out clean.
I would have voted for Andrew - i get drunk and send abusive emails and make a dork of myself on Facebook every night - Williams, before i voted for Len Brown...i think...maybe...hmmmm ok so i would have flipped a coin.
No - none of that surprises me, in the slightest.
Do I Drink Too Much - 2
Aclohol consumption divides us into three distinct groups:
1. People who don't like to drink at all, or the feeling of being drunk
2. People who enjoy it, like it, and will drink reasonably freely
3. People who, when given the opportunity, will drink, and drink, and drink, and.....DRINK.
Which group do you fall into?
Boozy teens' midnight trip goes 1300km astray
Boozy teens' midnight trip goes 1300km astray Stuff.co.nz
My lovely friend Karen, has just made my day, by pointing out to me how lucky i am that my daughters do not have access to a boat! haha! Crack up! Things could ALWAYS be worse!
My lovely friend Karen, has just made my day, by pointing out to me how lucky i am that my daughters do not have access to a boat! haha! Crack up! Things could ALWAYS be worse!
Somewhere on the tiny atoll of Fakaofo is the face that launched a tiny outboard-powered dinghy.
Three lovesick teenage boys rescued after 50 days adrift on the South Pacific have reached dry land, gaunt, ill, and lucky to be alive. Samuelu Peleha – also known as Sam Perez – and Filo Filo, both 15, and Etueni (or Edward) Nasau, 14, disappeared from Tokelau's Atafu Island on October 5 when they sailed off to a neighbouring atoll looking for love.
A search by a New Zealand Air Force Orion failed to find any trace, but on Wednesday, a New Zealand fishing boat spotted a tiny aluminium dinghy. The boys had stolen it to get to Fakaofo atoll after a girl had caught their eye at an island sports event that day.
They drifted 1300 kilometres off course and survived on a few coconuts and a seagull before the tuna boat San Nikunau picked them up. They arrived at the Fiji Navy base in Suva yesterday and had to be helped ashore.
They were all put on IV drips and one appeared to collapse into an ambulance before being taken to Suva's Colonial War Memorial Hospital, where they were under observation last night.
A New Zealand high commission spokeswoman, who met the boys off the boat at 3pm yesterday, said they did not say a word. "They were just really weak and they looked relieved to be on land."
Extended family members living in Suva visited the boys in hospital.
Locals said a sports competition was hosted by the boys' atoll, Atafu, in October. Among the visitors was a girl from neighbouring atoll Fakaofo, who captured the eye of one of the boys.
She sailed home after the tournament, and after midnight, emboldened by alcohol, they decided to take the island's newest small boat and visit her 200km to the south.
They had a couple of sacks of coconuts, some beer and a fuel tank.
Their cousin and Atafu representative, Kuresa Nasau, said nobody saw them go but it would not have been thought unusual. "Young kids go out fishing all the time, nobody questions that. They were seen at midnight and nobody suspected they were going to take off."
Tokelau – a nation of just 1200 people scattered across three atolls – is celebrating the rescue, but the three will face hard questions when they return.
San Nikunau first mate Tai Fredricsen, of the Bay of Islands, said it was a miracle the tuna boat found the boys."We saw a small vessel, a little speedboat on our bows, and we knew it was a little weird," he said.
The boys started waving so the boat pulled up beside them. "I ... asked them if they needed any help they said, `Very much so'. They were ecstatic to see us."
The boys were skinny but in good shape for the time they had been at sea. "Somehow they caught a bird, I don't know how, but they caught it. They ate it, that is what is recommended."
The boys had started drinking seawater a few days before the rescue and probably would have only survived for a few more days, Mr Fredricsen said.
Mr Nasau said he had heard about the late-night love quest and the boys would have questions to answer when they got back. "I heard there was some alcohol involved. I will investigate but all I was concerned about was their safety."
The boys will head to Samoa when they are well – hopefully tomorrow – to wait for the next boat home on December 16.
When You're The Leader - 2
"... Whoever wants to be a leader... must be your servant."
I had a bad sleep last night. Nicole has three friends staying the night. They went to a "gig" at the church hall that is just up the road, and had a curfew of midnight. I struggled to stay awake to make sure that they arrived home in time - they walked there and back...for ONCE they did not require the mother taxi, which was kind of weird. They arrived home, only a couple of minutes late, but then i slept with one eye and ear open all night, thinking they might sneak back out, like they tried to do once before, but failed because Billy dobbed them in.
I got a drunk phone call from Toys R Us, at about 1am, and while i was on the phone with him, i swear that i heard someone vomiting in the bathroom. We only have one bathroom here, and it is next to my bedroom. Once i was off the phone, i went and checked on the girls, and asked them if someone was sick. They all assured me that they were fine, and no one was sick. They all seemed ok, so i headed back to bed. I stopped at the bathroom on the way back, and whoever had vomited up bright red RTD looking puke in my toilet, had forgotten to flush when they were done.
I wonder where they got the booze from. I have not said anything about it. I will ask Nicole, later on, once her friends have gone home.
Just another example though, of how we never really know what our kids are getting up to, once they are out of our sight. All kids will do naughty things, and as parents, we are stupid if we think they tell us everything that is going on in their lives. We just have to hope though, that we have instilled enough morals in them, and a realisation that there will always be consequences for all of their actions, and whether they want good consequences, or bad, is entirely their choice.
Really not impressed with the latest choice BUT there are worse things that she could have done last night, than drink a couple of RTDs. I am always more concerned about them getting in a car with an inexperienced driver, when they are out at parties like they were last night. Hence, my sleeping with one eye, and one ear open all night.
Back to sleep for a couple more hours for me...zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Mac Anderson says: 'Like every human being, I have doubts, fears and disappointments... As leaders, however, we must manage our attitude... we can't underestimate the influence of our actions and attitudes. Churchill said, "The price of leadership is responsibility to stay positive whether you feel like it or not."Amen to that.
A good leader launches out before success is certain... doesn't run from confrontation... talks about his own mistakes before anybody else's, and acknowledges them before others have to discover and reveal them. He looks for opportunities to find his teammates doing something right, and encourages the smallest improvement. He doesn't tolerate murmuring in himself or in others... is specific in his expectations... values accountability... does what's right instead of what's popular or convenient.'
What does the word 'servant' bring to your mind? The guy who works behind the scenes? The personal assistant who makes you look good? The mate who worked so you could complete your degree? Charles Stanley says: 'Godly servants are all around us, but we often take them for granted. This is a tragedy we need to correct-not only for their sakes but for our own. Their faithful service brings untold blessings...
Wherever Joseph went, the people he served were blessed. Potiphar wasn't a God-fearing man, yet he prospered because of Joseph. Find the people in your life who have the gift of godly service and spend time with them... When you turn your nose up at someone doing "servant's work" you cut yourself off from a relationship that could literally change your life.' Each of us has the potential to be great-not famous, but great, because greatness comes by serving!
I had a bad sleep last night. Nicole has three friends staying the night. They went to a "gig" at the church hall that is just up the road, and had a curfew of midnight. I struggled to stay awake to make sure that they arrived home in time - they walked there and back...for ONCE they did not require the mother taxi, which was kind of weird. They arrived home, only a couple of minutes late, but then i slept with one eye and ear open all night, thinking they might sneak back out, like they tried to do once before, but failed because Billy dobbed them in.
I got a drunk phone call from Toys R Us, at about 1am, and while i was on the phone with him, i swear that i heard someone vomiting in the bathroom. We only have one bathroom here, and it is next to my bedroom. Once i was off the phone, i went and checked on the girls, and asked them if someone was sick. They all assured me that they were fine, and no one was sick. They all seemed ok, so i headed back to bed. I stopped at the bathroom on the way back, and whoever had vomited up bright red RTD looking puke in my toilet, had forgotten to flush when they were done.
I wonder where they got the booze from. I have not said anything about it. I will ask Nicole, later on, once her friends have gone home.
Just another example though, of how we never really know what our kids are getting up to, once they are out of our sight. All kids will do naughty things, and as parents, we are stupid if we think they tell us everything that is going on in their lives. We just have to hope though, that we have instilled enough morals in them, and a realisation that there will always be consequences for all of their actions, and whether they want good consequences, or bad, is entirely their choice.
Really not impressed with the latest choice BUT there are worse things that she could have done last night, than drink a couple of RTDs. I am always more concerned about them getting in a car with an inexperienced driver, when they are out at parties like they were last night. Hence, my sleeping with one eye, and one ear open all night.
Back to sleep for a couple more hours for me...zzzzzzzzzzzzz
November 26, 2010
Tagger killer Emery granted parole
Tagger killer Emery granted parole - National - NZ Herald News
Less than two years, for killing a kid, who was being a pain in the butt - yes - but did not deserve to die. That is shameful. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of that young boy, who lost his life, because of Bruce Emery's moods, and lack of self control.
Every kid does naughty things. Heck - my sister and i got in trouble at Farmers in town - back in the day when there was a big Farmers in Auckland City - for running around the shop arranging the mannequin's clothing to show mannequin body parts that were not meant to be showing, and knicking off with their wigs on our own heads.
Every kid does naughty things...and they don't deserve to die. What an insult to that child's memory, Bruce Emery's sentence has been...and i can't believe he originally came up for parole after only one year. Now he gets parole because he is "a low risk of reoffending"...so does that mean that anyone that kills someone can just get off if they indicate that they will never do it again? Is this for real?
Sometimes...you just gotta wonder...about things.
A man jailed after stabbing a tagger to death in south Auckland in 2008 has been granted parole.
Bruce Emery, 52, was jailed in February last year for four years and three months for stabbing to death teenager Pihema Cameron, whom he caught spraying graffiti on his south Auckland property.
He will be released next month after the Parole Board decided he was at low risk of reoffending.
However, he won't be returning to his old address in Manurewa, south Auckland, and he is not allowed to have contact with the victim's family.
Parole was rejected when he first became eligible in April 2010 as there were concerns about his proposed release address and the board was not satisfied he did not pose an undue risk to the community.
When he reappeared in July the board had concern ``over the management of his mood'' and called for a psychologist's report.
That report, dated last month, said Emery, a first offender, ``presents at a low risk of violent recidivism and low risk of general offending''.
It said he would receive treatment recommended by the psychologist, and that Emery ``is also clearly aware of the difficulties his mood may present and intends to seek appropriate help''.
Emery told the board he had no intention of returning to his previous address, and planned to move away from that area to another part of the country in the near future.
Less than two years, for killing a kid, who was being a pain in the butt - yes - but did not deserve to die. That is shameful. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of that young boy, who lost his life, because of Bruce Emery's moods, and lack of self control.
Every kid does naughty things. Heck - my sister and i got in trouble at Farmers in town - back in the day when there was a big Farmers in Auckland City - for running around the shop arranging the mannequin's clothing to show mannequin body parts that were not meant to be showing, and knicking off with their wigs on our own heads.
Every kid does naughty things...and they don't deserve to die. What an insult to that child's memory, Bruce Emery's sentence has been...and i can't believe he originally came up for parole after only one year. Now he gets parole because he is "a low risk of reoffending"...so does that mean that anyone that kills someone can just get off if they indicate that they will never do it again? Is this for real?
Sometimes...you just gotta wonder...about things.
Being Truly Thankful | Beyond Counting Blessings
When we are in the state of thankfulness,
we are in a higher state of awareness, gratitude at our doorstep.
Often when we practice being thankful, we go through the process of counting our blessings, acknowledging the wonderful people, things and places that make up our reality. While it is fine to be grateful for the good fortune we have accumulated, true thankfulness stems from a powerful comprehension of the gift of simply being alive, and when we feel it, we feel it regardless of our circumstances. In this deep state of gratitude, we recognize the purity of the experience of being, in and of itself, and our thankfulness is part and parcel of our awareness that we are one with this great mystery that is life.This is exactly why, i have no regrets regarding my past. My past is what has given me this amazing, attitude of gratitude - I am truly thankful every single day, just to be alive, because for a long time, i very nearly wasn't.
It is difficult for most of us to access this level of consciousness as we are very caught up in the ups and downs of our individual experiences in the world. The thing to remember about the world, though, is that it ebbs and flows, expands and contracts, gives and takes, and is by its very nature somewhat unreliable. If we only feel gratitude when it serves our desires, this is not true thankfulness. No one is exempt from the twists and turns of fate, which may, at any time, take the possessions, situations, and people we love away from us. Ironically, it is sometimes this kind of loss that awakens us to a thankfulness that goes deeper than just being grateful when things go our way. Illness and near-miss accidents can also serve as wake-up calls to the deeper realization that we are truly lucky to be alive.
We do not have to wait to be shaken to experience this state of being truly thankful for our lives. Tuning in to our breath and making an effort to be fully present for a set period of time each day can do wonders for our ability to connect with true gratitude. We can also awaken ourselves with the intention to be more aware of the unconditional generosity of the life force that flows through us regardless of our circumstances. ~ The Daily OM
I have had the perfect life. I had the perfect husband, a beautiful home, a good job, overseas trips, beautiful children...i had it all. It was never good enough for me. I always wanted more. I was always looking for something else to make me happy.
Losing every single one of those things, was the best thing that ever happened to me. The only things i need to be happy these days, are my children's smiles, and love. Anything and everything else that i am blessed with is just an added bonus.
What a beautiful day it is outside. I think i will mow the lawns, then take Nixon for a run. I have already cleaned the house from top to bottom. I need to clean my car as well. It is a bomb sight on the inside, after that road trip, and everyone's rubbish being left in it...and i won't even mention how the drivers' side looks like a flock of giant eagles ,or something hovered above it ,and all took simultaneous craps on it.
Shoot...i just did. It looks like someone has splashed piles of St Ives apricot face scrub on my car.
Do I Drink Too Much - 1
I have been watching this documentary about alcohol, and how it effects the body, and the brain. Despite the fact that it is legal, it is just as damaging to our bodies and brain cells as methamphetamine. Like methamphetamine, alcohol effects the brain's production of dopamine and serotonin, and with long term abuse, can and will cause permanent brain damage.
This would suggest to me, that alcoholics are in no place to be criticising anyone else with any other form of addiction, or past addiction. If you are say, 53 years old, and still drinking every night like you have done since you were a teenager...for example, two bottles of wine a night...there is a very, very good chance that you have permanently damaged your brain.
Interesting huh? That would explain a lot of things.
Alcohol is by far the most widely used drug - and a dangerous one at that. So why are so many of us drinking over the recommended limits?
Why does alcohol have such a powerful grip on us? How much of our relationship with this drug is written in our genes? What are the real dangers of our children drinking too young?
Addiction expert John Marsden, who likes a drink, makes a professional and personal exploration of our relationship with alcohol. He undergoes physical and neurological examinations to determine its impact, and finds out why some people will find it much harder than others to resist alcohol. Even at the age of 14 there may be a way of determining which healthy children will turn into addicts.
John experiments with a designer drug being developed that hopes to replicate all the benefits of alcohol without the dangers. Could this drug replace alcohol in the future?
This would suggest to me, that alcoholics are in no place to be criticising anyone else with any other form of addiction, or past addiction. If you are say, 53 years old, and still drinking every night like you have done since you were a teenager...for example, two bottles of wine a night...there is a very, very good chance that you have permanently damaged your brain.
Interesting huh? That would explain a lot of things.
Alcohol is by far the most widely used drug - and a dangerous one at that. So why are so many of us drinking over the recommended limits?
Why does alcohol have such a powerful grip on us? How much of our relationship with this drug is written in our genes? What are the real dangers of our children drinking too young?
Addiction expert John Marsden, who likes a drink, makes a professional and personal exploration of our relationship with alcohol. He undergoes physical and neurological examinations to determine its impact, and finds out why some people will find it much harder than others to resist alcohol. Even at the age of 14 there may be a way of determining which healthy children will turn into addicts.
John experiments with a designer drug being developed that hopes to replicate all the benefits of alcohol without the dangers. Could this drug replace alcohol in the future?
When You're The Leader - 1
'...work together with the same purpose...' 1 Corinthians 3:8 NLT
Had an awesome day yesterday. I still can't believe how great my teeth look now! I wish i had gone to the dentist ages ago...or i wish i had chipped that tooth ages ago, and been forced to go. The weirdest thing dawned on me though, in relation to why everyone hates dentists. We all hate them ...right? The reason that we hate them is that we hate the needles, the injections, then that horrible numb - my face feels like the size of the moon while i drool everywhere - feeling afterwards, and the sound of the drill. That pretty much sums up, why we all hate dentists...right?
Well yesterday, because i am broke, and was trying to minimise the cost of my treatment, and because the work was being done on my front teeth, and i could think of nothing worse than a needle going into the top of my gums, right at the front of my mouth...i chose to not have any anaesthetic. Do you know what? I went through having decay scraped out of my teeth - gross - sorry, then drilling, then the white fillings put on my teeth, then repair of my chip, and scraping...all of that with no anaesthetic, and it did not even hurt...not one little bit! Then i walked out of there with a beautiful smile and a face that i could actually feel. I then went home and had a coffee, without the coffee dribbling down my chin! haha
I think everyone should choose to say no to anaesthesia while at the dentist. It makes the experience that much easier, and i am sure it saved me quite a few dollars as well. Why do the dentists offer that big, painful needle to us, when the needle is more painful than the treatment?
I have decided that i am the leader in super, duper toughness. I have given birth three times with no painkillers, and now i can go to the dentist with no needles.
I am the queen of non wussiness. For sure. You should all be like me. I promise to put your pain first and be observant of your challenges. ;)
Church growth consultant Jim Wideman highlights some things you can do to help those looking to you for direction:The only thing that i am the leader of at the moment...is my life. I think i am doing a pretty good job of that!
(1) Put their goals and needs first. You're a part, not the 'whole enchilada'. Think about how your actions affect others. Be observant of the challenges and setbacks they're experiencing, and find ways to lighten their load even if they don't ask.
(2) Help others to win. Let others take a slam-dunk while you take an assist. Keep the ball moving till someone has a chance to score. Adopt the motto, 'It doesn't matter who gets the credit.' Be willing to accept blame and reluctant to assign it. Maintain an authentic desire to share victories. 'A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse' you can't sink someone else's end of the boat and keep your own afloat.
(3) Over-communicate. Keep everyone in the loop, spend time with your peers, invest in your teammates, and admit when you need help. Be open to correction and advice. Leadership coach Rick Tate said, 'Feedback is the breakfast of champions,' and a good communicator is a good listener.
(4) Don't take things personally. Leadership, by definition, is about 'others.' When you start thinking it's all about 'you,' you lose perspective.
(5) Give it all you've got. Paul, Timothy's mentor, said to him: 'Do your best... [be] a worker who has no need to be ashamed...' (2 Timothy 2:15 NRS).
Good leaders empower others. Henry Mintzberg said: '...the best managing of all may well be silent. That way people can say, "We did it ourselves."'
SoulFood: John 13:31-38, 3 John, Jude, Ps 118:1-9, Pro 27:23-27
Had an awesome day yesterday. I still can't believe how great my teeth look now! I wish i had gone to the dentist ages ago...or i wish i had chipped that tooth ages ago, and been forced to go. The weirdest thing dawned on me though, in relation to why everyone hates dentists. We all hate them ...right? The reason that we hate them is that we hate the needles, the injections, then that horrible numb - my face feels like the size of the moon while i drool everywhere - feeling afterwards, and the sound of the drill. That pretty much sums up, why we all hate dentists...right?
Well yesterday, because i am broke, and was trying to minimise the cost of my treatment, and because the work was being done on my front teeth, and i could think of nothing worse than a needle going into the top of my gums, right at the front of my mouth...i chose to not have any anaesthetic. Do you know what? I went through having decay scraped out of my teeth - gross - sorry, then drilling, then the white fillings put on my teeth, then repair of my chip, and scraping...all of that with no anaesthetic, and it did not even hurt...not one little bit! Then i walked out of there with a beautiful smile and a face that i could actually feel. I then went home and had a coffee, without the coffee dribbling down my chin! haha
I think everyone should choose to say no to anaesthesia while at the dentist. It makes the experience that much easier, and i am sure it saved me quite a few dollars as well. Why do the dentists offer that big, painful needle to us, when the needle is more painful than the treatment?
I have decided that i am the leader in super, duper toughness. I have given birth three times with no painkillers, and now i can go to the dentist with no needles.
I am the queen of non wussiness. For sure. You should all be like me. I promise to put your pain first and be observant of your challenges. ;)
November 25, 2010
The Up Front Guides: How to Be an Opinion Columnist
The Up Front Guides: How to Be an Opinion Columnist • Up Front • Public Address
Emma Hart is my new idol. What a fantastic, thoroughly enjoyable read that was.
Okay, let’s say your semi-lucrative career in politics or the media has drawn to a close. You decided it was time to walk away. Well, someone decided it was time for you to walk away. Here’s the good news: your twatcockery is still an asset. You can become an opinion columnist. Newspapers are always looking for cheap content and recognisable names, and you get a small stipend and, far more importantly, you keep your name on the lips of the populace. No matter how many expletives are involved.
In fact, if you follow these few tips, you don’t even have to already be famous. You’ll still get to have people swearing at you – even if they can’t remember your name.
The first thing to remember is that you are an opinion columnist. Having an opinion is a basic requirement for the job. The more opinionated you are, the better. Given you’ll have to produce a column a week, it would help if you could instantly have opinions on things you’ve actually never heard of. You may think you have more than enough opinions as it is, but even the most misanthropic old bastard is going to run out of lawns to keep kids off eventually. If you do start running short on ideas, try applying what I like to call Micael’s Law. Find out what someone else has said that’s got people really offended, and then write about that, but try to be even stupider than the guy who had the idea in the first place.
The second thing to remember is that you are an opinion columnist. This is not to be confused with journalism. Your columns are supposed to be full of opinion, and completely devoid of fact. If you should ever have to incorporate factual matters into your columns, however tangentially, it appears to be de rigueur to get them wrong.
Just make shit up: that’s your job. If it’s inconvenient to your purposes for an accident to have happened at dusk in the rain, change it. If the law on vehicle hazards doesn’t say what you need it to, change it. It’s not your job to present facts, and it’s frankly just confusing to your readership if you do. If the effects of prostitution decriminalisation don’t suit your thesis, just lie. After a while, you won’t even notice you’re doing it. You don’t even, apparently have hedge by saying ”I think the Green Party support gay marriage because they want to reduce our population.” Just say they do. Who the hell cares, anyway?
On that note, I wouldn’t get too hung up on correct spelling or grammar or sophistimicated sentence structure. It doesn’t appear that editors even read this stuff. They certainly don’t fact-check it. After all, what generates more debate and controversy than something that’s simply completely wrong?
Now, it can be a pretty rough-and-tumble dog-eviscerate-dog world, the columning game. The important thing to remember is that you’re the only person who’s real. If you’re making generalisations about groups – women, gays, cyclists, prostitutes – they’re certainly not people. They’re groups. Collective nouns don’t have feelings.
And if you’re talking about the tragedies of individuals, they aren’t real people either. They’re happenings. They couldn’t possibly read what you write. They’re just names, in the news. They exist to provide fodder for your prejudices. Which is just as well, because there’s really no way you could do your job if you constantly had to think about the effects of your robustly-expressed opinions on the people you’re opining about.
You’re still real, of course. So if people make comments that hurt your feelings, it is perfectly fine to get all publicly offended by them. It’s not like you actually called anyone a bad parent, or a slut, or a traffic hazard who deserved to die. It’s completely unfair and unjustified for anyone to get personal at you. After all, you’re entitled to a platform for your opinion, right?
Emma Hart is my new idol. What a fantastic, thoroughly enjoyable read that was.
Be a Leader in Your Own Life
This man is amazing. He is from Boise, Idaho too - where i spent my teenage years. I would love to be able to afford to go to one of his courses. No such luck this time. I just spent 2 grand on my teeth. Hopefully next time.
On a brighter note...my smile is now whiter, and lovelier than it was before i ever touched that drug even! Chipping my tooth was a blessing. It forced me to the dentist, where i have needed to go for AGES.
Everything happens for a reason...and they are always good reasons too!
November 24, 2010
roarprawn: PIKE RIVER -
roarprawn: PIKE RIVER -
Busted Blonde's blog post just about brought tears to my eyes. There is not much more to say really? Is there?
Busted Blonde's blog post just about brought tears to my eyes. There is not much more to say really? Is there?
Two thoughts about Elisha
'...that your fruit should remain...' John 15:16 NKJV
Elisha served others until he died. We read: 'Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die. Then Joash the king of Israel came down to him [for advice]' On his deathbed, Elisha gave the king a strategy for defeating his enemies. So, you can lift others even when you yourself are down. You can feel like a hypocrite because things aren't so great in your own life, yet still minister to them. The truth is, when you reach out in love to someone else it takes the focus off you, your discouragement lifts, and it works for your good.I'm too tired to take that in today, i think ...and Billy broke the microwave while i was away. Well he says it just stopped working. Funny that. NOT ME has been visiting again! I really, really loathe NOT ME. I wonder if NOT ME will stop visiting my home, once i no longer have teenagers?
Elisha's impact continued after he died. One day '...Elijah said to Elisha, "...what can I do for you...?" [He replied] "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit"...' Elijah, his mentor, performed seven major miracles recorded in Scripture. When he died, Elisha had performed only thirteen. Did God fail to grant his request? No. 'Then Elisha died, and they buried him. And the raiding bands from Moab invaded the land...So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet' Miracle fourteen; Elisha got his double portion!
Jesus said, '...I chose...you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain...' So pray, 'Lord, give me a legacy of righteousness. Make my impact greater than my lifespan. Give me fruit that remains.'
SoulFood: 2 Chron 32-34, John 13:1-17, Ps 95, Pro 27:17-19
C**t of the Year – Michael Laws —
C**t of the Year – Michael Laws —
Had to be shared - I just can't help myself. That man just gets grosser by the day.
Had to be shared - I just can't help myself. That man just gets grosser by the day.
Right Where You Are | Enlightenment at Home
Well, that is really awesome to hear. Considering the $480.00 dollar fine that i received from a lovely policeman yesterday...i don't think i will be able to afford to leave Auckland for the next couple of months...let alone travel the globe!You don't need to travel to a far away land to become enlightened;it isn't the place, it's the practice.Many spiritual seekers feel called to far-flung places across the globe in the interest of pursuing the path of their enlightenment. This may indeed be the right course of action for certain people, but it is by no means necessary to attaining an enlightened consciousness. Enlightenment can take root anywhere on earth, as long as the seeker is an open and ready vessel for higher consciousness. All we need is a powerful intention, and a willingness to do the work necessary to moving forward on our path.
In terms of spiritual practice, at this moment, there are more tools available to more people than at any other time in history. We have access to so much wisdom through the vehicles of books, magazines, the Internet, television, and film. In addition, the time-honored practice of meditation is free, and sitting quietly everyday, listening to the universe, is a great way to start the journey within. There is further inspiration in the fact that the greatest teachers we have are our own life experiences, and they come to us every day with new lessons and new opportunities to learn. If we look at the people around us, we may realize that we have a spiritual community already intact, and if we don't, we can find one, if not in our own neighborhood, then on-line.
Meanwhile, if we feel called to travel in search of teachers and experiences, then by all means, we should. But if we can't go to India, or Burma, or Indonesia, or if we don't have the desire, this is not an obstacle in terms of our spiritual development. In fact, we may simply be aware that our time and energy is best spent in our own homes, with our meditation practice and all the complications and joys of our own lives. We can confidently stay in one place, knowing that everything that we need to attain enlightenment is always available right where we are. ~ The Daily OM
After having the BEST time that i have ever had in Wanganui...Rachelle and i had the WORST drive home yesterday. I got waved down by a police officer, in the middle of nowhere - somewhere after National Park but before Otorohonga - coming around a slight bend doing 113...and he stood there on the road and waved me down. What is it with police these days? They can't even be bothered getting into their cars and turning on their flashing lights anymore? Should have run him over....hmmmm just kidding!
So anyway...apparently my drivers license expired one year and 12 days ago...however i did not realise this because 2 years ago, my wallet got stolen by a crackhead and i never replaced my license. Naughty, i know. So yeah...apparently it is against the law to drive with an expired license...duh. I received a $400.00 fine for that and $80.00 for speeding. I bet i made his quota for the day all in one go! Stink cop. He was nice enough though...i guess.
I then had to let Rachelle drive. Rachelle is the worst nanna driver in the whole world. She gets scared when the speedo reaches 80, and slams on the breaks whenever a car comes up behind her. Considering i had been told that i could get arrested, and my car impounded, if i got caught driving again...i will not comment on if, or how long it took, for all my hair to turn grey and my blood pressure to explode, before i booted her out of the drivers side and decided it was worth the risk.
I would never have done that - but if i did - it would have taken about 10 minutes! Sitting on 100, road works, big trucks, detours = the LONGEST trip between Auckland and Wanganui in the history of trips between Auckland and Wanganui.
Had a BLAST while we were down there though. Home is feeling a bit quiet...and boring.
November 23, 2010
Running the Race
'...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...' Hebrews 12:1 NKJV
These messages have such a great way of putting anything, and everything, to do with life, into perspective...don't they? I don't think i have many "weights" holding me back or weighing me down, at the moment! Life is good.
We are having an amazing time down here in Wanganui. I even managed to get the WOF done on my car, thanks to Ray, at the local BP station! Ray is someone that i have known on FB for AGES, and was never allowed to meet. He is a councillor on the Wanganui Dristict Council, and owns a BP station down here. We popped in to see him yesterday afternoon, and he noticed that my WOF was a LITTLE overdue. Not that much though....August was not THAT long ago! haha He fixed the door handle on my car that had been broken since crackheads tried to steal my car, put new windscreen wipers on it, and now my car is legal again! Thanks Ray! It is awesome, to not have to put my window down, and reach outside of my car, in order to open my door!
Today, i am getting my hair done for free! Compliments of Barbara Osborne and Cleopatra's! I better get moving, or else i will be late for that...then catching up with other friends down here...then i guess it will be time to get back to Auckland.
What a bummer!
It is a beautiful day down here! Absolutely amazing!
In Greece there's a place tourists seldom visit. The writer of Hebrews may have had it in mind when he wrote, '...lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and...run with endurance...' It's where the Isthmian Games, a forerunner to the modern Olympics, were held: a place where athletes were hailed as heroes. To develop muscle they trained with weights strapped to their legs, but on the day of the race they stripped off anything that wasn't essential. There's a lesson here. We think what we're clinging to is important. If we didn't, letting go wouldn't be a struggle; we'd simply set it down.
The Christian life is a race that starts the day you accept Christ and ends when you meet Him face-to-face. In order to cross the finish line as a winner you must eliminate:
(1) Anything that slows you down. In other words, anything that hinders your spiritual progress. In and of itself, it may not be wrong, but it becomes a 'weight' when it stops you from living for God to the fullest.
(2) Anything that causes you to stumble short of the finish line. You must constantly monitor the level of your commitment to Christ, the growth of your faith, your home life, your relationships, your integrity, your work ethic, your thought life and your habits. Make up your mind to stay focused on the prize.
Greek athletes who won received a garland that eventually withered, but '...you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade...' (1 Peter 5:4 NIV). Isn't that worth running the race for?
SoulFood: 2 Chron 29-31, John 12:37-50, Ps 102:18-28, Pro 27:13-16
These messages have such a great way of putting anything, and everything, to do with life, into perspective...don't they? I don't think i have many "weights" holding me back or weighing me down, at the moment! Life is good.
We are having an amazing time down here in Wanganui. I even managed to get the WOF done on my car, thanks to Ray, at the local BP station! Ray is someone that i have known on FB for AGES, and was never allowed to meet. He is a councillor on the Wanganui Dristict Council, and owns a BP station down here. We popped in to see him yesterday afternoon, and he noticed that my WOF was a LITTLE overdue. Not that much though....August was not THAT long ago! haha He fixed the door handle on my car that had been broken since crackheads tried to steal my car, put new windscreen wipers on it, and now my car is legal again! Thanks Ray! It is awesome, to not have to put my window down, and reach outside of my car, in order to open my door!
Today, i am getting my hair done for free! Compliments of Barbara Osborne and Cleopatra's! I better get moving, or else i will be late for that...then catching up with other friends down here...then i guess it will be time to get back to Auckland.
What a bummer!
It is a beautiful day down here! Absolutely amazing!
November 22, 2010
Nixon used one of his 9 lives today
Or is it just cats that get 9 lives?
Pete's home, where Rachelle and I are staying while down in Wanganui, is just off the highway that runs between Wanganui and Palmerston North. BIG trucks scream down the hill right before they pass Pete's little street. Nixon got away from me this afternoon, and bolted down the road, straight for the highway. I was wearing sandals that are impossible to run in, at the time. Not that i would ever be able to catch him anyway...but even less chance with these shoes on...and on a gravel road.
Huge trucks were going past, so fast at the time, and i just thought that was the end of my Nixon. I yelled for him SOOOOO loud, and he kept going, but then, for once...he actually turned around and came straight back to me. He NEVER does that. He never comes when he is called, once he gets free. That was so weird.
He is now asleep, at my feet. Thank you God.
I have had the funniest day. Have met some very funny people down here, and now i am so tired. The others have all gone up the road to play tennis. Making the most of this fantastic weather i suppose...but i have no more energy, so i am watching the news about the Pike River Mines. I find it amazing, that people who know nothing about mining, or attempting this kind of rescue, would be criticising the rescue attempt, or delay there of, so far, down there. I suppose those people in the media that are being critical, would also be the first to jump up and down screaming, and condemning the rescue efforts and organisers, if anyone else got hurt or killed.
Can't win with ignorant people...much...can you? They will always have something bad to say about everyone. Even people that are trying to save lives without killing anyone else.
Heading out for a BBQ shortly. NOT looking forward to the drive back to Auckland tomorrow. Not one bit.
Pete's home, where Rachelle and I are staying while down in Wanganui, is just off the highway that runs between Wanganui and Palmerston North. BIG trucks scream down the hill right before they pass Pete's little street. Nixon got away from me this afternoon, and bolted down the road, straight for the highway. I was wearing sandals that are impossible to run in, at the time. Not that i would ever be able to catch him anyway...but even less chance with these shoes on...and on a gravel road.
Huge trucks were going past, so fast at the time, and i just thought that was the end of my Nixon. I yelled for him SOOOOO loud, and he kept going, but then, for once...he actually turned around and came straight back to me. He NEVER does that. He never comes when he is called, once he gets free. That was so weird.
He is now asleep, at my feet. Thank you God.
I have had the funniest day. Have met some very funny people down here, and now i am so tired. The others have all gone up the road to play tennis. Making the most of this fantastic weather i suppose...but i have no more energy, so i am watching the news about the Pike River Mines. I find it amazing, that people who know nothing about mining, or attempting this kind of rescue, would be criticising the rescue attempt, or delay there of, so far, down there. I suppose those people in the media that are being critical, would also be the first to jump up and down screaming, and condemning the rescue efforts and organisers, if anyone else got hurt or killed.
Can't win with ignorant people...much...can you? They will always have something bad to say about everyone. Even people that are trying to save lives without killing anyone else.
Heading out for a BBQ shortly. NOT looking forward to the drive back to Auckland tomorrow. Not one bit.
How to prepare yourself - 3
'So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife.' Ruth 4:13 NKJV
We had a fantastic drive down to Wanganui yesterday. Even Nixon behaved himself in the car. He got a Happy Meal in Otorohonga because he was being so good!
It is so awesome to be visiting this place, and for it not to be a BIG FAT SECRET. It is so nice to be able to go out, and do anything i want, and meet anyone i want. There will be no getting screamed at for just replying to an email from someone that i am not supposed to talk to...and no having to hide away in someone's house!
On that note...i am outta here for the day!
Observe two more things Naomi taught Ruth, in preparation for meeting Boaz:I am taking a break from preparing myself today! haha
(1) Make sure you're in the right place. Naomi told Ruth, 'Go down to the threshing floor' Why? Because that's where Boaz was! To receive what God has for you, you must be in the right place spiritually. Satan will tell you you're unworthy. He will try to convince you to stay where you are and to listen to those who'd keep you from where God wants you to be. He will make you feel out of place even when you're in the right place. Don't believe his lies; when God calls you He equips you, empowers you, and uses you for His glory.
(2) Understand the importance of timing. 'Do not make yourself known to the man until...' Ruth had waited a long time for this moment; now she had to learn to be quiet because the person God planned to bless her through was sleeping. It's hard to be all keyed up about something nobody else is excited about; you want to get them excited too. But sometimes God says, 'Wait.' Stop working to make things happen before their time! Don't try to promote yourself. 'The vision is yet for an appointed time...Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come' God may not respond when you think He should, but His timing is perfect. He has blessings with your name on them, and no matter how many others want them, when the time is right He will give them to you.
SoulFood: 2 Chron 25-28, John 12:20-36, Ps 102:12-17, Pro 27:10-12
We had a fantastic drive down to Wanganui yesterday. Even Nixon behaved himself in the car. He got a Happy Meal in Otorohonga because he was being so good!
It is so awesome to be visiting this place, and for it not to be a BIG FAT SECRET. It is so nice to be able to go out, and do anything i want, and meet anyone i want. There will be no getting screamed at for just replying to an email from someone that i am not supposed to talk to...and no having to hide away in someone's house!
On that note...i am outta here for the day!
November 21, 2010
Enduring Discomfort | Missing Our Old Habits
If you find yourself missing an old habit or pattern,
know this is normal and acknowledge the feeling.
Whenever we make the effort to free ourselves of an addiction or a habit we no longer need, we are often surprised to find ourselves missing the old pattern as we would a familiar friend. This sounds counter intuitive, because we think we should instinctively gravitate toward that which is good for us. And yet, it makes a lot of sense when you consider that we humans are creatures of habit. This is why we gravitate to people and places—and patterns of behavior--that make us feel comfortable. Therefore, many of the habits we form are not conscious and are based instead on learned behavior from role models who were not always making the healthiest decisions.I love it.
Most addictions begin as a way of avoiding feelings that are extremely uncomfortable, so it makes sense that stopping the addiction means, for a time, a fair amount of discomfort. The same, of course, is true of habits that we have developed over time that we are ready to release. Just knowing that this is hard, and having compassion for ourselves as we work through this process, can help us to stay the course when we feel the urge to backtrack. It's also helpful to remember that in time we will establish new, healthier patterns, and the yearning for the old ones will disappear. Eventually, we will instinctively reach for things that are good for us, and the longing for positive change may form the basis of a new habit.
The only way to get to this new place is to endure a time of difficulty, which is a challenge we can confidently handle, if we remember that it will lead to the change we seek in our lives. Our bodies, hearts, and minds always need time to adjust to a new way of doing things, but they will adapt, and even become our allies, if we remain true to our vision of a new way. ~ The Daily OM
I don't have a problem with missing old patterns, or addictions when it comes to alcohol or drugs. I KNOW that i will never go back to drinking every day, and i definitely will never do anything illegal again - like drugs. I don't miss either of those destructive patterns of behaviour...not even when i am around a bunch of drinkers...do i miss that.
I do however, seem to have a pattern of attracting not very nice men into my life, and not listening to my gut instinct, when it is screaming at me that something is not right. I don't really understand this, and i did not even realise until recently, that there is actually a pattern going on here. It was only really, when i read the comments, and opinions relating to me, of other bloggers...ie Busted Blonde, Hamish, Cactus Kate...that i stopped and thought about this, and had to admit they were probably right. I have Bastarditus.
I read somewhere, that our gut instinct, or our intuition, is our inner protective mechanism, that will never lie to us. We should always listen to it.
Last night, was the final straw for the latest one - my friends and i had nicknamed him "Toys R Us" haha...ok ...so i did not really need another straw...so before anyone points that out i will say - I KNOW MORE STRAWS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN REQUIRED! haha...
He was working late last night, and was supposed to come over when he finished. He knew that i was just at home, having an early night last night. Instead of finishing work, and coming over though, as we had planned...he had a "few bourbans" and couldn't drive so told me to "rock around to his place whenever i wanted" ...this was at 11pm while i was nicely tucked up in bed.
Why on earth would i want to get out of my cosy bed, and "rock" anywhere to visit a drunk?
I wouldn't...and i told him that. In the nicest way possible, of course.
A decent, healthy, non dodgy man, would not have had those drinks, and would have come over when he finished work, like we had planned. I don't want someone in my life that has to drink alcohol, every, single, day.
Goodbye Toys R Us... I am breaking this pattern of behaviour - Starting with you. By the way...he does not read this. haha He does not own a computer.
Sideswipe - Booze Bus
 |
| Dropping the kids off in Ellerslie, Peter snapped a school bus giving the thumbs-up to Jim Beam. |
My friend Pete, from Wanganui, took this photo while waiting for me to pick him up in Ellerslie on Thursday morning! The photo made it into the Herald. Pretty cool huh?
Not so cool having booze advertised on a school bus...but that is New Zealand and it's drinking culture for you!
How to prepare yourself - 2
'So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife...' Ruth 4:13 NKJV
Ugh...Job hunting. I will think about this one in a little while...right after i get some more sleep!
The person that text me at 7am and woke me up is in BIG trouble right about now. : / Not really...but...ugh.
In order to prepare Ruth for meeting Boaz, her future husband, Naomi taught her two important principles about succeeding in life:
(1) You must have the right attitude. Naomi said to Ruth, '...anoint yourself...' (Ruth 3:3 NKJV). In Bible times people anointed themselves with oil in order to be refreshed and renewed. So Ruth was, in essence, adopting the right attitude. If you're praying for a good job or a suitable partner or a favourable outcome in a particular area but it hasn't happened yet, don't automatically blame Satan. Check your attitude. 'Let God re-mould your minds from within so that you [move]...towards true maturity' (Romans 12:2 PHPS). To get the right result, you need the right approach.
(2) You must be willing to stand out in the crowd. Naomi instructed Ruth, '...put on your best garment...' (Ruth 3:3 NKJV). But why get dressed up for something that hasn't happened yet? Because God blesses prepared people! When your time comes you must be ready. Ruth's story teaches us that it's those who are willing to stand out in the crowd who get noticed. Any time you dress for where you're going, there's a good chance you'll look out of place where you are. That's okay. Your highest priority should be God's approval, not man's. You must know you have a definite destination, otherwise you'll be tempted to make excuses and try to explain why you're so different from everyone else. When you know where God is taking you, you won't care. The truth is, when others look at your preparation they should be in no doubt as to your destination.
SoulFood: 27:30-33, Num 31:48-54, 1 Cor 16:1-3, 2 Cor 9:15
Ugh...Job hunting. I will think about this one in a little while...right after i get some more sleep!
The person that text me at 7am and woke me up is in BIG trouble right about now. : / Not really...but...ugh.
November 20, 2010
How to prepare yourself - 1
'So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife...' Ruth 4:13 NKJV
Gosh, i am loving this one today. I really needed to read this.
I think my blog is having another transformation. It has gone from an angry way for me to vent at Danny...to my only friend while in such a lonely and terrible place...to my recovery tool, and my way to ensure that i always live a life that i am proud of...to my tool for enabling me to continue to grow and improve myself, and become the happy and healthy person that i want to be...to a DATING DISASTERS joke. haha ;)
I met this "nice" guy a few weeks ago, while out with Rachelle. He is younger than me, but that has not been an issue as he seems a lot older than his 29 years...and i OF COURSE seem younger haha...so the age gap has not been an issue. We have spent a lot of time together over the past couple of weeks...and alarm bells are starting to ring.
I can't decide if i am just being super duper wary of dodgy men...possibly too wary...or if i should be hearing alarm bells.
1. He has a dodgy past. Which he has assured me is the PAST - I am the last person that will ever judge someone on their past but i don't understand how someone can call it their past, yet still have something to do with anyone from that past. I would hate for anyone to ever judge me re my past BUT...and this is a big BUT...i would NEVER have anyone from that time of my life, in my life now. He does.
2. Inconsistencies - Just little things that he says, then contradicts himself later on. People that lie, need to have very good memories, so that they can remember what they have said. If you have told me that your dad has been out of town because your grandmother is dying...it is prob best to NOT then tell me how he just got back from a camping trip, the next day. I am struggling with this one, because why the fib? What is the point? Laws always struggled with lying as well, and did this exact same thing...ALL THE TIME. I never told him when i noticed this, just like i have not said anything these past couple of weeks...doesn't mean i haven't noticed it though, or that it does not freak me out.
3. He says he has been separated from his ex for 9 months - Yet, he does not want it getting back to her that he is seeing someone. She is apparently on P...and will not handle this well. A little bit of advice that i read recently, is screaming in my ears right now - If a relationship has to be a secret, then you should not be in it. How true is that? SO TRUE. She apparently, phones him crying all the time, wanting to get back together. His phone rings at 1am...and he goes outside to take the call. hmmmmmm not to worry though...it was just "work"...which could be legit, as that is the nature of his job, i guess...but i doubt it.
4. He drinks. Every night. - It kind of reminds me of how Danny was. Actually...he kind of reminds of Danny, in a lot of ways, and maybe that is why i am struggling with this, and not just running for the hills already.
5. He is from Wanganui - Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding,
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding,
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding,
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding,
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding...He knows some of the people that i know, his ex still lives there...and he has made himself VERY scarce since i have had friends from Wanganui staying with me...Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding,Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding.
I think i need to be seeking God, for advice right about now. Or do i even need his help with this one? Probably not. My gut tells me that this man is not what God has in mind for me.
Arrrghhhh ....what is it with me? Why do i attract this? I just want NORMAL, healthy people, and relationships in my life. Someone joked with me today that my opinions regarding men are "Null and Void" because of my most recent choice in men. haha...I think that may be a fair call. The worst part is...i am HAPPY being single. I am HAPPY on my own...but for some reason...these types keep flocking to me.
Ok...venting time is over. That was the first, of what no doubt will be a long line of "Jackie's Dating Disaster" vents. I feel better after that! No doubt, i will update you on the outcome of my latest one...in the not so distant future. This subject matter could be funny. I think i might consider turning it into a cartoon strip.
Yep. THAT could make me millions.
It is amazing how much clearer things seem...after typing them out then reading them. Everyone should have a blog. ;)
Look at the instructions Naomi gave Ruth for approaching Boaz, her future husband, and you'll see that there's a certain protocol involved in walking with God. Once you understand it, the things you've been waiting for begin to happen.
So:
(1) Be sure it's God's will for you. Ruth wasn't looking for just any man, she had a specific one in mind. And because Naomi had done her homework, she was able to tell Ruth where to find him: '...he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor' (Ruth 3:2 NKJV). Research what you want from God before you start claiming things in prayer. Be sure it's what He wants too! If your name's not on it, don't pursue it. Don't go after something because it looks good in someone else's life. God has a plan for you, one that's unique and specific. Seek Him and He will reveal it to you.
(2) Deal with your past. Naomi said to Ruth, '...wash yourself...' (Ruth 3:3 NKJV). In order to gain acceptance with Boaz, Ruth couldn't approach him looking and smelling like Moab, the famine-stricken place she'd come from. She needed to settle her past so it didn't sabotage her future. God will open the door for you, but until you've resolved your old issues you won't be able to walk through it. You can't receive what He has for you now if you're still contaminated by what you went through then. Whether it takes six months or six years, sort out your emotional baggage. God says: 'Forget the former things...I am doing a new thing...I am making a way...' (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV).
SoulFood: 2 Chron 22-24, John 12:12-19, Ps 102:1-11, Pro 27:7-9
Gosh, i am loving this one today. I really needed to read this.
I think my blog is having another transformation. It has gone from an angry way for me to vent at Danny...to my only friend while in such a lonely and terrible place...to my recovery tool, and my way to ensure that i always live a life that i am proud of...to my tool for enabling me to continue to grow and improve myself, and become the happy and healthy person that i want to be...to a DATING DISASTERS joke. haha ;)
I met this "nice" guy a few weeks ago, while out with Rachelle. He is younger than me, but that has not been an issue as he seems a lot older than his 29 years...and i OF COURSE seem younger haha...so the age gap has not been an issue. We have spent a lot of time together over the past couple of weeks...and alarm bells are starting to ring.
I can't decide if i am just being super duper wary of dodgy men...possibly too wary...or if i should be hearing alarm bells.
1. He has a dodgy past. Which he has assured me is the PAST - I am the last person that will ever judge someone on their past but i don't understand how someone can call it their past, yet still have something to do with anyone from that past. I would hate for anyone to ever judge me re my past BUT...and this is a big BUT...i would NEVER have anyone from that time of my life, in my life now. He does.
2. Inconsistencies - Just little things that he says, then contradicts himself later on. People that lie, need to have very good memories, so that they can remember what they have said. If you have told me that your dad has been out of town because your grandmother is dying...it is prob best to NOT then tell me how he just got back from a camping trip, the next day. I am struggling with this one, because why the fib? What is the point? Laws always struggled with lying as well, and did this exact same thing...ALL THE TIME. I never told him when i noticed this, just like i have not said anything these past couple of weeks...doesn't mean i haven't noticed it though, or that it does not freak me out.
3. He says he has been separated from his ex for 9 months - Yet, he does not want it getting back to her that he is seeing someone. She is apparently on P...and will not handle this well. A little bit of advice that i read recently, is screaming in my ears right now - If a relationship has to be a secret, then you should not be in it. How true is that? SO TRUE. She apparently, phones him crying all the time, wanting to get back together. His phone rings at 1am...and he goes outside to take the call. hmmmmmm not to worry though...it was just "work"...which could be legit, as that is the nature of his job, i guess...but i doubt it.
4. He drinks. Every night. - It kind of reminds me of how Danny was. Actually...he kind of reminds of Danny, in a lot of ways, and maybe that is why i am struggling with this, and not just running for the hills already.
5. He is from Wanganui - Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding,
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding,
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding,
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding,
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding...He knows some of the people that i know, his ex still lives there...and he has made himself VERY scarce since i have had friends from Wanganui staying with me...Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding,Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding.
I think i need to be seeking God, for advice right about now. Or do i even need his help with this one? Probably not. My gut tells me that this man is not what God has in mind for me.
Arrrghhhh ....what is it with me? Why do i attract this? I just want NORMAL, healthy people, and relationships in my life. Someone joked with me today that my opinions regarding men are "Null and Void" because of my most recent choice in men. haha...I think that may be a fair call. The worst part is...i am HAPPY being single. I am HAPPY on my own...but for some reason...these types keep flocking to me.
Ok...venting time is over. That was the first, of what no doubt will be a long line of "Jackie's Dating Disaster" vents. I feel better after that! No doubt, i will update you on the outcome of my latest one...in the not so distant future. This subject matter could be funny. I think i might consider turning it into a cartoon strip.
Yep. THAT could make me millions.
It is amazing how much clearer things seem...after typing them out then reading them. Everyone should have a blog. ;)
November 19, 2010
Balancing Family and Career
'He must manage his own family well...' 1 Timothy 3:4 NIV
Boy, i sure am making up for that now! haha
This reminds me of a song that i LOVED when i was like 3 years old. My Dad had a friend who was a DJ on the local radio station, in Spokane, where we lived. This friend of Dad's used to play this song for me every morning, and i used to dance around the coffee table...every morning.
I think that is one of my earliest memories.
Balancing family and career calls for tough, unselfish choices. If you make the right ones you'll look back with joy, not regret.I wish i had not worked so hard when the kids were younger. I was back at work with all of them, by the time they were 6 weeks old. Nick and i placed so much importance on things, and money. I feel like i missed out on them completely, when they were little.
John Ortberg writes: 'A friend of mine is a professional musician. For many years he made his living on the road. He was becoming increasingly successful. Then three years ago he became a father. He was on the road about half the time. He realised that when his daughter was about a year old she hardly knew him. He knew he needed to make a change but it was frightening to him. What if his career slowed to a crawl? What if being home more actually made life harder?
He took a job as the head of a music department at a university. He still performs, but he travels now only a fraction of the time. His relationship with his daughter has become a source of pride and joy in his life that he otherwise never would have known. He did have to let go of some of his old dreams, but he has since recorded a bestselling CD and been nominated for a Grammy. Most importantly, he realises his daughter will grow up a fundamentally different human being now, than she would have if she had grown up with a hole in her heart where her father was supposed to be. By the end of his life he will have a title that means much more to him than Rock Star. The title is "Dad!"
' The Bible says a leader '...must manage his own family well...' (1 Timothy 3:4 NIV). And that doesn't just apply to leaders, it applies to all of us!
Boy, i sure am making up for that now! haha
This reminds me of a song that i LOVED when i was like 3 years old. My Dad had a friend who was a DJ on the local radio station, in Spokane, where we lived. This friend of Dad's used to play this song for me every morning, and i used to dance around the coffee table...every morning.
I think that is one of my earliest memories.
Piha
I love that place. I have a friend staying with me at the moment, who has lived all of his 40 years, here in New Zealand, and had never been to Piha. I can't believe that. Piha is one of the first places i went, after arriving in this beautiful country. Anyway, i rectified that most bizarre situation yesterday, and took him there.
It was stinking hot at the top of Lion Rock, and i have to say, that is a place that Nixon will only visit once. NEVER take a hyperactive cocker spaniel rock climbing...just in case you were considering it. haha...I am not sure what was worse, or more dangerous...getting dragged up the rock...or back down it!
I think we resembled a speed boat pulling a waterskier - Nixon being the boat, and me holding on for dear life behind him.
We had an awesome day though. More today.
It was stinking hot at the top of Lion Rock, and i have to say, that is a place that Nixon will only visit once. NEVER take a hyperactive cocker spaniel rock climbing...just in case you were considering it. haha...I am not sure what was worse, or more dangerous...getting dragged up the rock...or back down it!
I think we resembled a speed boat pulling a waterskier - Nixon being the boat, and me holding on for dear life behind him.
We had an awesome day though. More today.
November 18, 2010
Use Your Gift - 2
'A spiritual gift is given to each of us...' 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT
Today, to me, true success means happiness - and right now i am pretty darn successful.
Had an awesome evening last night. I have been enjoying cooking again. I used to cook all the time, and was pretty good at it...but like many other things that i used to love doing, i stopped doing them when i was so messed up.
I have recently, met a lovely guy, and it is nice having someone to cook for...other than the kids, who unless it is a frozen pizza, or hot dogs - don't really appreciate it! I have been reminded lately, how nice it is to be appreciated. Yummy noises will always make a cook feel appreciated!
I have a house guest for the next couple of days. A cool friend that i met during my time down in Wanganui. That whole time was not a complete waste...i met some really neat people. I am taking him sightseeing today...and then catching up with another Wanganui mate tonight. There is always good that we can take from every single bad situation that we go through. New friends are what i took, and will keep, from my recent bad experience.
Off to Piha we go. Then maybe Mission Bay...and maybe One tree hill. Nixon is going to love this. I wish the sun would come back out!
One of the great benefits of finding and fulfilling your life's calling is that it settles the question of what constitutes true success. Many of us have a faulty definition. We've bought into the idea that success is measured by how well we do-compared to how well others do. That's a recipe for frustration! No matter what you do, someone else will always do it better. But when you define success in terms of God's purpose for your life, the standard changes completely.
True success is not what you've done compared to what others have done, but what you've done compared to what God assigned you to do: 'Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits.' Jesus said He was successful because He accomplished the work His Father had sent Him to do. Paul could say at the end of his life, '... I have finished my course... '
By this standard, success may mean leaving a lucrative job to follow God's call. It may mean using your talents for His glory, instead of chasing fame and fortune. Whatever it is, once you know you're in your calling you can stop comparing yourself to others or wishing you were someone else. The Bible says we are each given gifts '... for the common good' (1 Corinthians 12:7 NAS). Only when you're using your gifts to bless others will you experience true satisfaction. Pay cheques and promotions are good, but they can't take the place of divine purpose. Only in your calling will you experience lasting joy.
Today, to me, true success means happiness - and right now i am pretty darn successful.
Had an awesome evening last night. I have been enjoying cooking again. I used to cook all the time, and was pretty good at it...but like many other things that i used to love doing, i stopped doing them when i was so messed up.
I have recently, met a lovely guy, and it is nice having someone to cook for...other than the kids, who unless it is a frozen pizza, or hot dogs - don't really appreciate it! I have been reminded lately, how nice it is to be appreciated. Yummy noises will always make a cook feel appreciated!
I have a house guest for the next couple of days. A cool friend that i met during my time down in Wanganui. That whole time was not a complete waste...i met some really neat people. I am taking him sightseeing today...and then catching up with another Wanganui mate tonight. There is always good that we can take from every single bad situation that we go through. New friends are what i took, and will keep, from my recent bad experience.
Off to Piha we go. Then maybe Mission Bay...and maybe One tree hill. Nixon is going to love this. I wish the sun would come back out!
November 17, 2010
Forget
I have received an email this morning, that was labelled by the sender as a "warning." I am wondering though, if it should be taken, more as a threat. The sender was very careful how they worded it...too careful. No idea who it was, as it was from a free Yahoo email address.
I shall ponder this, and get back to you!
He who laughs...lasts!
The end.
Use Your Gift - 1
"Having... gifts... let us use them... " - Romans 12:6 NKJV
Well that sounds much better than "You will never get a job in this economy - so go back to being a hooker!" haha ;)
I had a lovely day yesterday. I did find out though, that there are not many things, in this world, that are worse, than busting for a pee and being stuck in motorway traffic at Auckland's spaghetti junction! I had been busting since Silverdale, but there was nowhere to stop. By the time i got to the SLOW traffic at spaghetti junction, i thought i might die. I made it to the Greenlane off ramp, and sped down Great South Rd, and hobbled into Wendy's. The staff there must have thought i was mad.
Mental note to self - NEVER, ever, EVER skull a poweraid while on a road trip, that does not have sufficient bushes on the side of the road. I seriously considered dropping my pants, while driving and attempting to pee in that poweraid bottle.
Did i say that out loud?
The Bible says, 'Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them... ' God has 'graced' you to do certain things well. Now, that doesn't mean doors will automatically open, and, like cream, you'll just rise to the top. Indeed, what you get overnight you can lose overnight. You must first discern your gifts, use every opportunity to sharpen them, learn from your mistakes, and be tenacious about what God's called you to do.
In high school 'Sparky' flunked Latin, algebra, English and physics. He made the golf team but promptly lost the only match of the season, then he lost the consolation match. He was awkward socially-more shy than disliked. He never once asked a girl out on a date in high school. One thing, however, was important to Sparky-drawing.
He was proud of his artwork even though nobody else appreciated it. He submitted cartoons to the editors of his high school yearbook but they were rejected. Even so, he aspired to be an artist. After high school he sent samples of his work to The Walt Disney Studios. Again he was rejected. But Sparky didn't quit. He decided to write his autobiography in cartoons. The popularity of his cartoon strip eventually led to countless books and television shows.
You see, Sparky was Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, the most famous cartoonist of all time. Like his main character, Charlie Brown, Schulz seemed unable to succeed at many things. But he made the most of his God-given talent, refused to quit, and ended up winning. So, use your gift.
Well that sounds much better than "You will never get a job in this economy - so go back to being a hooker!" haha ;)
I had a lovely day yesterday. I did find out though, that there are not many things, in this world, that are worse, than busting for a pee and being stuck in motorway traffic at Auckland's spaghetti junction! I had been busting since Silverdale, but there was nowhere to stop. By the time i got to the SLOW traffic at spaghetti junction, i thought i might die. I made it to the Greenlane off ramp, and sped down Great South Rd, and hobbled into Wendy's. The staff there must have thought i was mad.
Mental note to self - NEVER, ever, EVER skull a poweraid while on a road trip, that does not have sufficient bushes on the side of the road. I seriously considered dropping my pants, while driving and attempting to pee in that poweraid bottle.
Did i say that out loud?
November 16, 2010
Never Betray a Confidence
'...he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.' Proverbs11:13 NKJV
I knew i was doing the right thing in just leaving the information that i had, in God's hands...oops...i stuffed up, but there is no taking it back now.
I guess i needed this reminder today.
We all need a shoulder to cry on. When we're battling habits and hang-ups we need a safe place to go, confident we'll be loved, understood, supported and prayed for.Ugh...i have said it before, and i will say it a hundred million times more - these are always sent to me when they are most relevant to my life, at any given time.
If those who are hurting can't find these qualities in church, where are they supposed to go? The betrayal of a confidence is a terrible sin. 'But what I said was true,' you object. So what? 'A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.' Note the words 'reveals' and 'conceals.' The Hippocratic Oath says: 'Whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession, I will never divulge, holding such things to be holy secrets.' That oath is taken by physicians and other professionals in positions of trust. But it ought to be binding on every one of us! How would you feel if your doctor, counsellor, minister or a trusted friend violated your confidence and broadcast your holy secrets? Hurt? Betrayed? The longer we live the more we realise there's a severe shortage of people who can be trusted to keep their mouths shut, and the more we value them.
If you were asked to define a person of integrity, wouldn't the ability to keep a confidence be close to the top of your list? So here are some ground rules to live by: (a) Instead of talking, pray about it; (b) Instead of criticising, look for something good; (c) Instead of showing anger, show grace. How you handle others determines how God will handle you!
SoulFood: 2 Chron 8-11, John 11:17-27, Ps 8, Pro 26:23-26
I knew i was doing the right thing in just leaving the information that i had, in God's hands...oops...i stuffed up, but there is no taking it back now.
I guess i needed this reminder today.
Hacked
This morning, my Facebook and my xtra email account were hacked. I was lucky and happened to be online at the time. I received warnings that i had logged in from a different device...then my xtra email account just logged me off and i could not log back in.
The Xtra Helpdesk were fantastic and reset my password for me straight away. Facebook password is now also reset.
I guess it was lucky that i was online when it happened, or i would not have been aware of it, and God only knows what the person who was behind that was planning on doing. I guess someone is a little bit stressed right now. He personally, does not have the computer skills to do anything other than look up porn...but i guess he got one of his friends in high places to do that.
Good on him.
If my blog happens to disappear - you all know where it has gone.
The Xtra Helpdesk were fantastic and reset my password for me straight away. Facebook password is now also reset.
I guess it was lucky that i was online when it happened, or i would not have been aware of it, and God only knows what the person who was behind that was planning on doing. I guess someone is a little bit stressed right now. He personally, does not have the computer skills to do anything other than look up porn...but i guess he got one of his friends in high places to do that.
Good on him.
If my blog happens to disappear - you all know where it has gone.
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