Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya Suicide, Drugs Hell

Former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya says he has contemplated suicide and has been going to rehabilitation to treat drug and alcohol dependency.

In an interview with Spanish-language network Univision, De La Hoya said he has been sober for three months after hitting rock bottom over the past two years.


"Rock bottom was recently,'' De La Hoya said, according to an English-language transcript.

"Within a couple of years, just thinking if my life was even worth it. I don't have the strength, I don't have the courage to take my own life but I was thinking about it.''

De La Hoya says he has been sober for three months after undergoing treatment and joining Alcoholics Anonymous.

He said he was unfaithful to his wife and that they temporarily separated.

"We are obviously not talking a Tiger Woods here, but I was unfaithful,'' De La Hoya said.

De La Hoya retired in 2009 after a 16-year career in which he won 10 world titles in six divisions and became boxing's most popular fighter.

De La Hoya was thoroughly beaten by Manny Pacquiao in his last fight. He won his last title in May 2006, beating Ricardo Mayorga in six rounds for the WBC light middleweight belt. He finished with a record of 39-6 and 30 knockouts.

Known as 'The Golden Boy', De La Hoya transcended his sport, using bilingual skills to generate crossover appeal among Latinos and whites.

He began boxing at age 5, following in the path of his grandfather and father. He won an Olympic gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Games, delivering on a promise to his late mother, Cecilia, who died of breast cancer two years earlier.

"There were drugs, my drug of choice was cocaine and alcohol. Cocaine was recent. The last 2 years, and I depended more in the alcohol than the cocaine,'' De La Hoya said.

"It took me to a place where I felt safe, it took me to a place where I felt as if nobody can say anything to me, it took me to a place where I just can reach out and grab my mom.''

That last paragraph doesn't make sense to me. How can he say that he hit rock bottom, and contemplated suicide, then carry on to say that his drug and alcohol abuse took him to a place where he felt safe and where he felt like he could be with his mum? If it was that great being on those substances then why was he contemplating suicide?

I. Don't. Get. It.

I have met people who have been addicted to alcohol and methamphetamine who had a great time while on it. I listen to stories that people tell of experiences that they had, or things they did and those stories sometimes make me laugh. I think to myself that i must have, at some stage, had my own good times while on that drug, or else i would not have become so addicted to it so quickly.

I can't remember any good times though. I certainly don't remember any times where i was happy or felt safe. The only things i can remember when i think about that time of my life are fear, incredible loneliness, despair, every single day being worse than the previous one, and every single person that i met being more dishonest and mean than the previous one. I remember constantly getting stolen off. I remember someone that i knew getting murdered. I remember having my own life threatened. I remember being paranoid. I remember the anxiety. I remember letting my children down. I remember hating the world and seeing no way out of the situation that i was in. I remember falling asleep at the wheel of my car on the motorway because i had not slept in 7 days. I remember carrying a hammer around with me as a weapon in case someone tried to hurt me. I remember the gun at a drug dealer's home. I remember the police cells.

I do not have one good, safe, or fun memory of that time of my life.

Good on Oscar for the effort that he is making in changing his life...but one has to wonder how successful he will be when he continues to consider the rock bottom time that he has hit as a good or safe time. Describing his experience like that, and that thought process does nothing to prevent other people from taking the same path, and it certainly won't help him in his recovery.

I am so blessed that i only had bad experiences. I didn't think i was blessed at the time, but i really was. God really does work in mysterious ways. We don't always understand the whys or hows until after the lesson is learnt. If i had good memories, these past 779 days might have been difficult.

'Therapeutic apartheid' hinders addiction treatment

'Therapeutic apartheid' hinders addiction treatment

Addiction treatment is seriously hindered in New Zealand because it is separated from other health services, National Addiction Centre director Doug Sellman says.

Speaking at a Drug Policy Symposium in Wellington today, Professor Sellman said addiction treatment was especially separated from primary health care, such as GPs.

"What we have in this country is a form of 'therapeutic apartheid' which has got to be broken down if we are going to achieve better results from the $120 million currently being invested by the Government in addiction treatment."

He said two major changes were needed in addiction treatment.

Every person with addiction should have their "health home" at their primary health care centre rather than a specialist addiction service, and the capability of primary care to provide addiction treatment had to be significantly increased.

There were risks in making these structural changes, he said, but the outcome would improve quality of care and a reduction in the stigma to addictions.

Prof Sellman was one of nine drug policy experts speaking at the symposium, organised by the New Zealand Drug Foundation and New Zealand Society on Alcohol and Drug Dependence.

The problem with that, is the shame that is involved with any form of addiction. Most people do not want to go to their family GP and announce that they are an alcoholic or a methamphetamine or any other substance - addict.

I guess i was lucky. I have had the same doctor since i was a teenager, and feel like i can tell him anything. The only treatment that i received during my recovery - was through my GP, so i tend to agree with what Professor Sellman is saying. The treatment that i received would not have come under that $120 million though - it would have come out of the mental health budget, i guess.

What is being suggested in that article would not be difficult to implement here. There is no reason why addiction treatment should not be connected to any other medical treatment that we receive through those national health id numbers that we all have.

Treatment for addiction should be treated like any other health issue and in my opinion, the fact that it currently isn't, hinders many addict's recoveries.

This would also help addicts who are recovered and require medical proof of that recovery in order to move on with their lives. Currently, there is no way that a former addict can actually prove how long it has been since they last used a particular drug. Having their treatment connected to their medical history would help people prove that they have recovered, which a lot of addicts require in order to provide hope for their future.

Recovery is all about hope.

Men and ovens should be illegal

What is it with men and ovens? Do men assume that ovens automatically clean themselves or something? I set out this morning on a baking mission. It is a friend of mine son's birthday today so i thought i would do something nice and bake his son a birthday cake, along with my infamous illicit chocolate chip cookies - minus the illicit part - which i never did explain, and probably never will.

My efforts were delayed by several hours though, due to the fact that once i turned the oven on, the whole house filled with smoke and nearly burnt down. I made a dash to the supermarket to purchase oven cleaner. I can handle this, i thought to myself. I didn't realise while i was thinking that, that i was giving my bile ducts too much credit. Honestly - i have never, ever, ever in my life seen such a filthy oven. The grease was like mud in there, and i even found a few surprises by way of things that i am sure at one time, many years ago, resembled edible sausages. How long those blackened sausages had been at the bottom of that oven is any one's guess, but i have come to the conclusion that single men should automatically have the ovens removed from their homes.

I have seen many dirty ovens in my time. I have dated more than one man that didn't realise ovens need to be cleaned every once in awhile. This one, with it's fossilised sausages, took the cake though. I told my friend that i was seriously reconsidering our friendship after cleaning that. I'm not. But i told him that anyway.

I wish i had taken a photo of it. Instead, i just took a photo of the lovely gift that i received after cleaning it.

Two hours later, and with a smoke free home, i managed to produce this - out of an oven that i am sure should have just been thrown out with the hard rubbish.

I take no responsibility for any smoked and / or oven cleaner flavouring that they might have.

Now i am having to battle two teenage daughters who are not happy that we might not be able to afford to continue to live in Howick. Apparently that is "selfish" of me.

I am not sure which is scarier - the oven or the teenagers. I think i want the oven back.

Anonymous, but Indispensable

'...parts...that seem...least important are...most necessary.' 1 Corinthians 12:22 NLT
     

In his book Encourage Me, Charles Swindoll asks the following questions: 'Who taught Martin Luther his theology and inspired his translation of the New Testament? Who visited Dwight L. Moody at a shoe store and spoke to him about Christ? Who financed William Carey's ministry in India? Who refreshed the Apostle Paul in that Roman dungeon as he wrote his last letter to Timothy? Who followed Hudson Taylor and gave the China Inland Mission its remarkable vision and direction? What was it Jim Elliot, the martyred messenger of the Gospel to the Aucas in Ecuador, once called the missionaries? Something like "a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody".

But don't mistake anonymous for unnecessary. Otherwise, the whole body gets crippled...even paralysed...or, at best, terribly dizzy as the majority of the members...become diseased with self-pity and discouragement. Face it, friend, the head of the body calls the shots. It is His prerogative to publicise some and hide others. Don't ask me why He chooses whom He uses. If it's His desire to use you as a Melanchthon rather than a Luther...or a Kimball rather than a Moody...or an Onesiphorus rather than a Paul...or a Hoste rather than a Taylor, relax! Better than that, give God praise! You're among that elite group mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:24 (TLB): 'God has put the body together in such a way that extra honour and care are given to those parts that might otherwise seem less important.'

So be encouraged: you may be anonymous, but you're indispensable!

That was too much for my little brain to take in this morning. I am only on my first bucket of coffee, and still waking up.

I'm baking today. A double layer chocolate birthday cake for a friend. I have never been very talented when it comes to baking cakes. In fact, Nick used to leave the house for a few hours every time i decided to bake one of the kids' birthday cakes. They never quite ended up working out for me, and i would have a meltdown about 5 minutes before the birthday party when my cake ended up in the sink.

I have all day to bake this thing. I am going to do my best and if it doesn't work out then chocolate chip cookies which i am a master at, will have to do.

Wish me luck. I will post a photo of my efforts later!

AA meetings are a bit scary

I was feeling a bit traumatised after attending that meeting last night, so i decided to have a glass of wine over lunch with a friend today. I had not consumed any alcohol since this friend of mine bought me that absolutely delicious lemon meringue cocktail. That was so yummy that i can almost still taste it.

Anywayyyy moving on. I was not really sure how to write about what i think of AA. One glass of wine though, and conversation with the one person that i know that has worse luck with women than i have with men...and my typing fingers are raring to go.

I am well and truly convinced now, after attending both NA and AA meetings that alcohol does just as much, if not more damage to a person's physical and mental health. I walked into that meeting last night, with my friend, late - as usual. We plonked ourselves down in the only chairs that were left available. There was a reason why these two chairs were the only ones unoccupied, but i did not realise this until i sat down and faced everyone else in the room. It was like everyone in the room had to stare at my chair, and whoever happened to be unlucky enough to be sitting in it.

I sat there with everyone facing me, staring at me, and looked at each of the faces in that room. Honestly - they made the people at the NA meetings look some kind of youthful, pure, angels that had never so much as consumed a cup of coffee to wake up.

It didn't take much convincing from the tattooed man with piercings all through his face to believe him when he mentioned how crazy he is. He talked about how patient alcohol is and how he has already relapsed in his head, he just has not had a drink yet - but the booze is waiting for him - very patiently, i guess.

There were more than a few people there that i am sure had traded their wine bottle in for something a little more illicit / illegal. It's great that they have not had a drink in 9 years but the fact that they still acted wasted was a bit concerning. So was that the damage that alcohol had done to them? Or were they just on something else?

I don't know. Like i said...my typing fingers are in full form at the moment and i could go on and on and on about what i saw at that meeting last night. I think the weirdest thing though, was that from the minute that i sat down in that room - i felt like there was something evil in there. It was so weird. I could not wait to leave, and nearly nudged my friend to tilt my head towards the door and make a run for it, several times.

I didn't though. I sat there patiently - probably not as patiently as alcohol is though because as soon as it was over i tried to make a beeline for the door. My escape efforts were thwarted by two women who somehow recognised that i was new to the whole concept of AA and had never been to one of those meetings before. They just about pounced on me, not wanting to let me go without giving me all their brochures and pamphlets that they give to new "members" ...right along with their phone numbers etc etc in case i need any help between now and the next meeting that i choose to attend.

The whole things seemed awfully cult-ish to me. Maybe that is why i sensed some unexplained evil in the room. I don't know. All i do know though, is that i think if i am in need of any assistance to not become wasted in the near future - which i sincerely doubt i will need - i can't imagine that i would give a woman with a beard and a bushy grey wig on her head a call.

Ok ok  - it was not a full beard. It was just a goatee.

In conclusion - i am convinced after that meeting, that alcohol is just as damaging as any illegal substance that is out there. I think i will leave it another 6 months before i have another glass of wine.

Goodness

Woman tasered after samurai sword threat

A west Auckland woman who allegedly threatened police with a samurai sword last night presented "a sad and sorry sight" in the cells today after she was felled by a Taser stun gun, say police.
The 32-year-old was believed to be drunk or on drugs when she allegedly tried to smash windows in a Henderson mall about 7pm, said Sergeant Brian Leslie of Henderson police.

She was tasered and overpowered after allegedly refusing to put the sword down and threatening police, he said.

The woman was very dejected in the cells this morning after she sobered up, Mr Leslie said.

She is due in Waitakere District Court today facing several charges, including possession of an offensive weapon, disorderly behaviour likely to cause violence and assault.

The woman was assessed by a mental health team overnight and declared fit to go to court, Mr Leslie said.

No-one was hurt in last night's incident.

Mr Leslie said samurai swords were relatively common in west Auckland but most tended to be ornamental rather than the real thing.

This has almost made me laugh. Samurai swords - or things that look like them - can be purchased at the Avondale Markets.

I struggle to believe that the Police actually believe that this woman could have just been drunk. Don't most drunks just pass out before they get to a head space where they feel the need to run around local shopping centres with a Samurai sword?

I almost feel sorry for this woman. That will be one mean come down she will be experiencing this morning. "Dejected" would be an understatement, i am thinking.

Yikes.

It's Time to Move On

'Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has cast into the sea.' Exodus 15:4 NKJV

For 400 years the Egyptians had enslaved the Israelites. Then just when they thought they'd escaped Pharaoh, he showed up at the Red Sea. And that's when God intervened, causing them to sing, 'Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has cast into the sea'. And God wants to do the same for you. Regardless of what has happened, He can bring you through it and give you a new song.

Will it happen quickly or easily? No, we get through it in different ways and at different rates. How did the Israelites get through the Red Sea? One step at a time! But when they got to the other side that body of water became the dividing line between their past and their future. But to get beyond your past you must forgive, and keep on forgiving until the past loses its hold over you. You must rise up and declare by faith that the power those old issues had over you is broken. Jesus promised that when His word on the issue becomes your word on it, your circumstances will begin to change (Mark 11:23-26). So make God's Word the final word! But look out, old memories will try to negotiate another deal to see if you're serious about moving on. Paul writes, 'Reckon yourselves to be dead' (Romans 6:11 NKJV).

Now, death alone doesn't bring closure; you need burial. So establish a time, a place and an epitaph that reads, 'The past ends right here!' Tell Pharaoh, 'Your hosts and your ghosts can't hurt me any more', and move on!

I was feeling kinda grumpy again yesterday. I found myself wondering why it is that my children seem to have no interest at all in getting their driver's licenses. I was thinking back to when i was 15 and just busting for my 16th birthday so that i could drive. It was the first thing that i did. I actually got my driver's license on my 16th birthday. Monica even let me drive home from getting it. I will never forget my little sister, Kari, in the back seat literally crying and saying "Just let mum drive Jackie!!!" while i stalled the silly vehicle for the 3rd time in the middle of an intersection.

Of course it was the car's fault, and not mine.

I bought my own first car when i was 18, as soon as i arrived in New Zealand. Actually, i didn't buy it straight away. I did spend a few months borrowing my mother's car when she would let me, which usually coincided with when she had some hot date that she wanted to be alone with. Borrowing her car was more trouble than it was worth though. I remember driving over to Otara from Bucklands Beach to pick Anni up from her boyfriend's house, and getting accused of driving to "Hamilton and back". There was also the time that i borrowed it to drive down to the beach, which was just around the corner, and it ran out of oil. That was all my fault...that it just happened to run out of oil while i was driving it.

Borrowing my mother's car, or relying on her was not an option. So i bought my own.

I have just answered my own question re why my kids refuse to show any interest in getting their licenses or their own vehicles, while i have been typing this out. I always laugh when i do that. I spent just about all day in my car yesterday, and by the end of the day i was very grumpy. Having to pick Billy up from the bus station in town at 4:30 then spend an hour in rush hour traffic was the icing on the cake.

I want my children to get their driver's licenses and buy their own cars. Right. Now.

I need to stop being their personal chauffeur. Right. Now.

Despite being so tired from driving around all day yesterday, i went out with a friend last night to an AA meeting. I had never been to an AA meeting before. I have gone to quite a few of the NA ones, which i really enjoy now. I love listening to other people's stories, and have actually met a few pretty cool people through those meetings now. I could sit there and listen to their stories all day long without getting bored, pretty much. Actually that is a lie - there are a few nuts that i cringe when they speak - but for the most part, i enjoy hearing every one's stories.

AA though - YIKES. That was a different story. I will write about it later. Yikes. Yikes. Yikes. though. Don't think i will be in a hurry to attend another one of those!

I also did my best to house hunt yesterday but i have come to the conclusion that i may have to accept that moving is not going to be an option until after this silly Rugby World Cup is over. I will keep looking but it seems pretty hopeless. I may need to just make like Cinderella and be friends with the mice in the meantime.

Ugh.

I. Want. One.

Poor Terry Serepisos

Terry Serepisos Asset Sell Off Plan

Property developer Terry Serepisos has crumpled under the weight of $200 million debt and is putting forward a proposal to sell his assets.

A judge in the High Court at Wellington was told today that Mr Serepisos' portfolio of about 150 residential properties and at least 6 major commercial buildings in Wellington is worth $232,472,000.

The Wellington Phoenix football boss' liabilities are calculated at $203,095,206.

Serepisos' new lawyer, John Billington, QC, said an orderly sale of assets was proposed to avoid "an economic and social catastrophe" that could occur if individual creditors moved immediately to sell the secured assets, flooding the Wellington property market and depressing prices not just for the Serepisos properties, but for property generally.

At Serepisos' last showing in the High Court bankruptcy list 10 days ago, Associate Judge David Gendall was told South Canterbury Finance is claiming $18 million and Equitable Mortgages Limited about $9.8m.

The debt to Equitable Mortgages was expected to reduce about $4.3m with the sale of one of the Serepisos buildings in Victoria St, Wellington.

The two creditors have stepped into the breach left when Serepisos settled the $5m debt owed to FM Custodians 10 days ago.

Judge Gendall said Serepisos had not filed any formal notice of opposition to the bankruptcy proceedings or made an affidavit to support his position.

The judge noted when the court is deciding solvency issues one of the things it had to take into account was whether a debtor was able to pay his debts as they fell due.

"As to this, it is noted that at present there is no information before the court of any kind, and in particular no independently verified information as to the financial position of the judgment debtor and his ability to pay his debts when due."

The bankruptcy hearing takes place against suggestions last week that Wellington Phoenix football team players had not been paid on time.

But Serepisos, who controls the team's parent company, said team payments were made a day late due to "internal issues".

Greed is Ugly

Soooo unless my maths skills have gotten worse, which is pretty much impossible - math has never been my gift - this means that Terry could sell all his assets, and pay every single person that he owes money, and has not been paying. He would then be expected to survive on the meagre amount of the 29 million dollars left over after all that debt is paid.

What an ugly day for Terry. However can he be expected to survive?

My heart goes out to him at this horribly stressful and sad time.

What the heck? What about his injuries?

While it is great to read that the Arie Smith - Voorkamp case is not just being swept under the carpet, i have read this article and cannot believe that any investigation by the media is focusing on bail documents rather than the nasty beating that this young man received while in custody.

Has everyone forgotten his bruised and blackened face that the media gleefully photographed, published, and paraded in front of us on the 6 o'clock news???

I am never one that is quick to criticise the Police. I think they do a difficult job day in and day out, dealing with the scum in our society in order to keep all of us safe. I love the Police, and actually credit them with helping to save my life...but in this case - W.T.F?!?!

Where are the assault charges that should be laid against the person or persons who caused Arie's injuries!?!?!

The whole bail documents thing is wrong, but in my opinion it should not overshadow the fact that someone beat the crap out of Arie, while in custody, while the Police were responsible for his well being, and no one seems to care about that.

This bail "twist" is just being used in an attempt to further sweep the assault under the carpet.

Cornelius Arie Smith - Voorkamp

Another twist revealed in looting lightbulb case

A court document used to put alleged looter Cornelius Arie Smith-Voorkamp behind bars talked about victims who would oppose his bail when no victim had in fact been spoken to, it has been revealed.

Smith-Voorkamp was jailed for 11 days, went to court nine times, and incurred countless hours of police and court time over the past six months.

But the so-called face of looting in Christchurch, who had all charges withdrawn last week, may not have been jailed at all if police had spoken to his alleged victims.

TV ONE's Sunday programme has been following the case over months sensing an injustice, and last night revealed yet another twist to the case.

After police had repeatedly denied diversion for the Asperger's sufferer with an obsession for light fittings, the reason Smith-Voorkamp was denied bail and was held in custody has been revealed.

The document police put before a judge when they opposed bail for Smith-Voorkamp after he was arrested, referred to an unnamed victim of the crime - the alleged theft of two light fittings - saying the victim "would be strongly opposed to bail".

The document also said "custody would alleviate the victim's fears and the fears of the community".
The bail document assisted a judge with his decision to remand Smith-Voorkamp in custody - as it transpired - for 11 days.

But the "victims" of the crime, the building owners from where the light bulbs were taken, had never even been told of the alleged theft so could not have made any comments to police, Sunday revealed.

The first that building owners Andrew and Irene Matsis knew of the crime was in June, when reporter Janet McIntyre told them about Smith-Voorkamp's case.

They were finally contacted by police five months after the bail document had been presented in court, and after Arie had already spent 11 days in custody.

Christchurch area commander Inspector Derek Erasmus then tried to get the Matsises to phone TVNZ to stop the Sunday programme going to air. But the Matsises chose not to.

The next day, three days before Sunday was due to broadcast its story, Inspector Erasmus wrote to TVNZ formally advising Sunday that it was now the subject of a criminal investigation, though the grounds for that investigation were not made clear.

Five weeks after that inquiry began, police contacted TVNZ again to say they were satisfied there was no criminal culpability and no action would be taken.

Then last Monday police finally withdrew their charges against Smith-Voorkamp, accepting a psychiatric report prepared by the defence that stated it was "highly unlikely" he ever formed intent to commit a crime.

The charges against his partner Michael Davis, who had gone into the derelict building with him, were also thrown out.

Refused diversion

When repeatedly questioned on why police refused diversion despite Smith-Voorkamp's early guilty plea, and asked about the content of the bail document presented to the court, police were oblique in their answers.

On the subject of the diversion, despite the initial guilty plea, Superintendent Dave Cliff told McIntyre: "You need to put this case into the context of a city in crisis. We had a massive earthquake which resulted in well over 100 people being killed, we had people with critical injuries.

"The fact that our staff went into that building so bravely to pull out Arie and his offsider and risked their own safety, is an enormous tribute to them."

On the bail document presented to the court, Cliff said: "In this case, what we wanted the prosecutor to do was tell the court, but also as a signal to the general public, that we just did not want people risking themselves being killed or injured by going into damaged buildings."

Jonathan Eaton, a lawyer who picked up Smith-Voorkamp's case for free, said: "Arie became the face of looting so unfairly and I think from there it was always tricky for the police to accept that perhaps their first assessment of it wasn't right."

There is now an inquiry being undertaken by the police prosecution section into the presentation of the bail document to the court.

Eaton has asked police to identify the victim in the document. Police said no victims had been spoken to, and that the comments were designed to "represent all victims of earthquake offending".

Smith-Voorkamp has spoken to the Matsises and apologised and they have wholeheartedly accepted his apology.

He now wants to put the whole saga behind him.

"It's been a rocky road. Very rocky, It's been long - long and tiring, " he told Sunday.

But he said he had received huge support. "There's been heaps of people on the street, for example in the mall they come up to me and talk to me, they wish me luck and they ask me how I am and just little stuff like that."

Police say they will keep Sunday informed as to the outcome of the investigation into the bail documents.

Watch video - Hard line on autistic looter

Hold Steady and Let God Work

'...our light affliction...is working for us...' 2 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV

There are times in your life when everything you attempt to do will seem to go wrong. Your faith may be strong and your commitment deep, yet adversity will come knocking on your door. In such times, the power of prayer will strengthen and stabilise you.

But you can't pray away life's seasons! God has a purpose for not allowing you to be fruitful all the time. Real growth requires seasons of struggle as well as seasons of success. Your seasons of struggle destroy pride in your own ability, increase your dependence on God, and cause you to say, like Paul did, 'Not that we are sufficient of ourselves...our sufficiency is from God' (2 Corinthians 3:5 NKJV). These are humbling experiences, but you need them. Your life is like a tree: in winter it silently refurbishes its strength, preparing for the next season of fruitfulness. As you look back on your life's accomplishments you'll notice that they are seasonal. There are seasons of rain as well as sunshine, and each season serves an important purpose. That's why it's a mistake to make a permanent decision based on a temporary circumstance or changing emotion. '...the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal' (2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV). The word temporal means 'subject to change'. Hold steady, it's not always going to be this way!

Sometimes the situation doesn't call for action, it calls for patience and trust in God. Paul writes, 'Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us.' In ways you cannot understand, God is making the circumstances you're in today work for your good.

Well thank goodness for that!

I am not grumpy anymore. I had a wonderful sleep over night and have woken up feeling superb. I ate way too much over the weekend though, and did not do nearly enough exercise, so i am feeling FAT. One lap around the Panmure Basin was not enough to work off the chocolate, the all day breakfast, the kebabs, the fresh bread, or all of the coffees that i drank all weekend.

The skinny jeans are still skinny - unfortunately, i am not.

Time for some serious running, and house hunting today.

The Rugby World Cup

 

I think we should all back the USA. They have about as much chance of winning the Rugby World Cup as New Zealand does right now.

Probably more actually, because they haven't just had their asses handed to them by the Aussies.

Yep. Go the USA.   

Get your tickets to support the Americans here. 

The Story of George McCluskey

'...Pour out your heart...for...your...children...' Lamentations 2:19 NKJV

When George McCluskey started a family, he decided to invest one hour every day in prayer because he wanted his children to follow Christ. Then he expanded his prayers to include his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every day between 11am and noon he prayed for the next three generations. As the years went by his two daughters committed their lives to Christ and married men who went into the ministry. These two couples produced four girls and one boy. Each of the girls married a minister and the boy became a pastor. The first two children born to this generation were both boys. After leaving secondary school, the two cousins chose the same college and became roommates. During their second year one boy decided to go into the ministry. The other didn't. He felt lots of pressure to continue the family legacy, but he chose instead to go his own way and pursue his interest in psychology. He earned his doctorate and eventually wrote books for parents that became bestsellers. Eventually he started a radio programme that was heard around the world each day. The man's name? James Dobson.

So now you know the story of George McCluskey! He was just an ordinary man, but his prayers had an extraordinary effect on much of the world.

If you are a parent or a grandparent, the Word for you today is, 'Arise, cry out in the night...pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your...children.'

This is a good one for me to read right now. Nicole has just informed me that she can do whatever she wants because she is old enough to live on her own - so there - slammed bedroom door.

Not. Impressed.

I wanted a weekend off from kids this weekend. Billy was away at Waihi, so i asked Nick earlier in the week if i could have the weekend off. He has not had them for a weekend in forever. I wanted one weekend off from worrying about them, their friends, and taxi duties. Nick said - No worries. Not a problem...and all that jazz.

It was no worries, and not a problem because he had no intention of having them. They were still nagging me every 5 seconds via text, asking when i was going to be home, where the key was, if they could stay at home alone and have friends over. They did not step one foot in Nick's house this weekend.

I. Am. Annoyed.

One weekend out in Waiuku, without their friends, spending time with their Dad might have killed them, if their behaviour is anything to go by. Why Nick can't put his foot down and just tell them they had to stay with him this weekend is beyond me...but a weekend off is obviously too much to ask for these days.

I am moving out of Howick.

And i am G.R.U.M.P.Y.

You'll Win

'To the Lord I cry aloud, and He answers me...' Psalm 3:4 NIV

Regardless of when or why you stumbled, God wants to pick you up and put you back on your feet. People who have never experienced failure usually don't accomplish much. There's a certain security in playing it safe. Nothing's lost, but nothing's won. They never get out of the boat and walk on the water.

Wouldn't it be better to almost drown and have to be saved than never to experience God's power working through you? Adversity is like yeast; when the heat is turned up, it rises. And the hotter it gets, the more it rises. The truth is that every opportunity God gives you will come with obstacles, and you'll have to rise above them. Look at the children of Israel in Egypt: '...the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew...' (Exodus 1:12 NKJV). Often the bad times do more to strengthen your faith than the good ones. You say, 'But I blew it!' God says, '...My grace is sufficient for you: for My strength is made perfect in weakness...' (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV). You say, 'But the people I trusted let me down, and those I thought were for me were really against me.' The Psalmist said, 'Many are saying... "God will not deliver him." But...to the Lord I cry aloud, and He answers me...' (Psalm 3:2-4 NIV).

It's hard to accept that some people don't want you to succeed. But many people 'saying' it doesn't make it so! The most secure place in the world is in the will of God. If you align your plan with His purpose, ultimately you'll win, and there's nothing they can do to stop you!

I have been BUSY this week. It's been great, and has resulted in wonderful sleeps every night. There has been absolutely no playing on the laptop in bed, or lying awake watching documentaries for me this week. I have almost been asleep before my head has even touched the pillow.

I have been having to take Nixon everywhere with me in order to ensure that i don't cop another $300 fine from the Auckland Council for my savage dog being out of control. He escaped yesterday, briefly. The person that i was with at the time did not believe me when i said that if he let go of his leash, he would run and we would never see him again. This friend of mine now believes me.

Luckily, Nixon came back to us but not before he managed to cover himself in mud and get bushes all stuck through his fur. I spent much of my day yesterday hosing Nixon down then picking bushes out of him. I think it is time for another trip to the groomers for my wee lad. He even has prickles stuck in his long curly ears. Not good. Still...a trip to the groomers is cheaper than getting him out of jail and a ticket from the council.

This is supposed to be my first weekend without kids that i have had in ages. It has not really worked out that way though. Earlier in the week i spoke to their Dad and asked for this weekend off. He said yep - sweet as - no worries - and all that jazz. For some reason though, i spent all night last night driving them around. This morning i was up at 6am to drop Billy at the bus station in town because he has gone to spend a few days with friends in Waihi...and Nicole has asked me to leave the key out for her in case she decides to come home.

I had fibbed and told them that i was going away for the weekend. Now i am going to have to hide if Nicole comes home! I should have learned by now, not to fib. At least it is a beautiful day out there. I can go hide somewhere in the sun for awhile!

House hunting is more depressing than usual today. The first house i saw when i brought up Trademe was a 3 bedroom bungalow in Onehunga going for the bargain price of $4800.00 per week.

Hurry up and be over Rugby World Cup. Please.

Botox - Don't. Do. It.

Spain's duchess of Alba to marry at 85

No matter how much of that crap you can afford to inject into your face - it will never make you look younger, good, or like a man 25 years your junior is your fiance, and not your son.

Creeeeeeepy.

I am having a mental image of the wedding night right now.

Spain's Duchess of Alba, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart (L), 85,

is to marry civil servant Alfonso Diez.

Don't Worry, You Will Have Enough

'My God shall supply all your need...' Philippians 4:19 NKJV

Are you afraid you won't have enough to meet your needs? Let's read the story of the feeding of the 5,000 and observe three things about the disciples.

First, they tried to escape the problem. They told Jesus, 'Send them away, that they may go...and buy themselves bread' (Mark 6:36 NKJV). But He said no. Jesus understood that you grow by dealing with problems, not avoiding them. Your faith increases only as you place a demand on it. Lazy, inactive faith will fail you in the hour of need, so you must feed on God's Word and exercise your faith regularly.

Secondly, the disciples thought what they had wasn't enough: 'There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many' (John 6:9 NKJV)? God will ask you to look at what you've got because even though it doesn't look like much, when you factor Him in, it'll be more than enough to meet the need. In the disciples' hands it was just lunch for one, but in Christ's hands it became dinner for 5,000. So put what you have into God's hands and let Him work.  

Thirdly, only when the disciples obeyed His plan was their need met. When you ask God for a miracle He will often give you a plan with a set of instructions. At that point your obedience sets the timer, activates the plan and determines the results.

With God, there's no lack and no limit. When it was over, '...they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish' (Mark 6:43 NKJV). Don't worry, you will have enough!

Gosh - i need that one at the moment. I have actually been good this week though. I have been looking for a new home. I went out to the garage last night to get the rubbish. I opened the door and was horrified to see not just one mouse scurry across the floor, but about a dozen of the hideous little buggers. Honestly, my house is no longer a home. It is that gross. God only knows what the landlord will do when i finally move. He won't be able to rent it out again. No one would live in my house unless they were just too unmotivated to find somewhere else...and hated moving.

I have so much stufffffffff. Ugh.

I have been busy today. I had to be out the door by 7:45 this morning. Billy gave me a rude awakening at about 10 past 7. I quickly found out that skinny jeans that are just out of the drier are not the fastest things to put on. I cursed them as i tried to pull my shrunken jeans up my wet legs. It took me about half an hour to get them on.

Then i burned my finger on the hair straightener and now have a blister on index finger.

I was not cut out for early morning starts. I think that much is clear.




Skinny Jeans - I might throw mine out before they kill me.

Elmira Rafiee and the point bag

Trade Me fraud suspect released on bail

Elmira Rafiee leaving court today

This woman and her offending are crazy. She got away with stealing 46k off Trademe members, then breached her bail while travelling in a vehicle with known gang members, laptops, and a "point bag" and she is still let out on bail.

I had to blog about this because unless you are a druggie, you would have no idea what a "point bag" is. I mean, i never would have known prior to my own involvement in that world, what that term meant.

So for all of you non P addicts out there - a point bag is a little plastic zip lock bag that dealers and addicts use to put their P in.

Why does it not surprise me that she is involved with that hideous drug?

And there we have a fine example of the result of John Key's war on drugs, that he claims to be winning. The street price has gone up. All that means is people like Elmira Rafiee have to steal that little bit more off honest people, in order to fund their habits.

Well done John. Awesome work. Bugger education, rehabilitation, or actually saving lives. Just push the price up so that everyone has to pay for it.

If you enjoy a good cat fight...

There is a mean one going on online between Charlotte Dawson and The Herald on Sunday gossip columnist, Rachel Glucina.

It seems to have started on Sunday night with Charlotte Dawson's claims on 60 Minutes that she left New Zealand because Rachel Glucina was mean to her.

Seriously? Harden up. If i went further away from New Zealand every time something bad was said about me, i would be living in an igloo in Alaska right about now.  I am tempted to publish the Woman's Day interview that Leonie Brookhammer did where i was referred to as a prostitute about 500 times on 2 pages, and had that horrid photo that The Herald on Sunday took of me with a long range lens from my driveway without me knowing, after i had been crying all night in it, right about now. I can't be bothered though.

I find it hard to believe that a grown woman would leave the country because of things that a gossip columnist had to say about her. Does anyone really ever even pay attention to the SPY section of the HOS anyway? I have read it once in the past year, and that was by accident.

It seems that all of the Rachel Glucina haters out there have latched on to this story via the Rachel Glucina Tribute page on Facebook.  They are all screaming for her to get the sack, and outing her own dirty little secrets - like blackmailing her bosses, and the likes of Andi Brotherston over alleged extra marital naughtiness.

The whole thing is getting rather nasty.

Whoa - I wonder how long it will be before Andi gives Michelle a threat of defamation phone call!?!

In the meantime, Rachel has defended herself against the claims that she ran Charlotte Dawson out of the country here;

Charlotte left NZ because her time was up

Charlotte Dawson, 45, will have us know she left New Zealand because the media - mainly me - drove her out of town. She said as much on TV3's current affairs show (yes, she apparently is current affairs worthy!) last night.

Only problem is, she's banged on about the subject many times before, including in a paid-for story in a woman's rag. I hope the good folk at 60 Minutes didn't fork out big bucks just so Dawson could settle a score again.

It's true Dawson is a star across the ditch as one of three judges on a television modelling contest. She has made a big name for herself and poses, frequently, at red carpet premieres. But her days as a red-carpet celebrity in New Zealand are long gone.

The fact is, Dawson left here and went to Australia because the work dried up. I'm sure, had the big television job offers rolled in, she would have stayed. But Julie Christie and the like stopped calling. Perhaps an alleged sex tape may had something to do with that.

Dawson, to her credit, is a survivor. She is admired for her ability to claw her way back from down-and-out situations to reinvent herself with a new face and a new voice.

Let's not forget, when Charlotte came here she had been ostracised from Australia. Now she's back there and she's launched herself all over again.

But Dawson, it's fair to say, has been despised here, partly because of her incessant desire to be in the public eye. I always found she would bleat on about anything for column inches and airtime - 60 Minutes included.

In the past, I have compared her to the likes of Heather Mills and Sarah Palin, because like the former governor and the ex-Mrs Macca, she always tried to persuade us she was misunderstood. And nothing was off limits.

From the hair extensions to the Botox, plastic surgery, marriage, adoption, sex-tape spat, depression, reality TV shows, plus-sized modelling, psychic celibacy messages, ruptured breast implants and the mean Kiwi media who drove her to Oz, every episode in her life seems to have passed as an opportunity to grasp the spotlight.

Was nothing ever private and sacrosanct?

New Zealanders didn't buy her squeals because we felt Dawson's constant blabbing reeked of self-pity and a desperation to be famous. Was there anything she wouldn't say or do for a quick claim at fame?

The female stars here that we all admire, such as Ali Mau, Lucy Lawless, Petra Bagust, Anna Paquin, Wendy Petrie, Robyn Malcolm and Hilary Barry, know they are high-profile telly names with a celebrity job to do, but they don't sell out their privacy for quick cash and headlines.

I don't know Charlotte Dawson very well and I don't particularly want to. When there's plenty of admirable and talented female television stars here to promote, foster and look up to, why should we go to Oz to keep an old flame burning when we are inundated with wonderful celebrity women here.

For those of you with busy lives, that don't have time to follow all the links, the cat fight can easily be followed on the Twitter page set up JUST for it! Follow the Pork Chop on Twitter.

Crazy. Mean. Stuff!

I tend to agree with Rachel. There are far more admirable kiwi women, that are actually doing good things, to focus on. I have nothing against Charlotte Dawson. I have never paid attention to her. I have no idea what she has even ever done to earn her "Celebrity status..."

At the same time, i am not overly fond of the type of journalism that Rachel does. I guess though, if there were not so many people out there behaving in a way that they are ashamed of, then she would not have so many haters - or a job.

Knowing Where You Stand with God

'But Christ gave Himself...one sacrifice for all time.' Hebrews 10:12 TLB

Notice how God dealt with sin in the Old Testament. The priest took a lamb, shed its blood and offered it on the altar. As the sacrificial smoke went up, the priest would sprinkle the ashes on the ground, then stand on them. At that moment the person's sin was atoned for and their guilt removed. What a beautiful picture of your salvation! At Calvary, the fires of God's wrath were fully expended on Christ. In that moment, He was both your High Priest and your sacrificial lamb. When He cried, 'It is finished' (John 19:30 NIV), your sins were paid for - from the cradle to the grave. And the minute you trust in Christ as your Saviour, your standing before God is altered; you are made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).

In the early days of the American West one of the greatest fears the wagon train masters had was prairie fires. The hot sun could start them, and before you knew it you were engulfed in flames. But a wise wagon train master would immediately give the order to back up the horses and wagons on to the ground that had already been burned. Why? Because the fire could not come where the fire had already been! Augustus Toplady wrote, 'Payment God will not twice demand; first at my bleeding Surety's hand, and then again at mine.' Jesus 'took the heat' for every one of us. 'He...bore our sins in His body on the tree...' (1 Peter 2:24 NIV).

So today, if the devil is beating you up because of your faults and failures, tell him: 'I may not be perfect, but I'm redeemed, loved and accepted by God!'

I have blogger's block at the moment. I am still feeling a bit numb after yesterday, and don't have much to say or write about. I have been lucky though. I haven't had to be alone with my thoughts, until now.

I received an email from a stranger this morning. It was just asking me if Anni was the same Anni that lived where she had lived her whole life. He had fond memories of her from delivering the Auckland Star to her Dad's place while he was growing up. She used to ride her bike with him to the end of the road, and he had a crush on her. I laughed at that. Every boy that met Anni had a crush on her.

She touched the life of even the local paper boy so much, that he remembered her after all these years. How funny. That is just so Anni.

Anyway, i have book writing and cheering myself up to do today. I have not gotten off to a very good start after receiving another speeding ticket this morning!

Not good. Not good at all. Police that sit around the corner of the bottom of a hill Suck. Mouldy. Arse. I wasn't even going that fast either.

Stink buzz



You Can Get Beyond the Past

'...you shall remember it as waters that pass away.' Job 11:16 AMP

Tamar experienced the terrible trauma of rejection. But her future was greater than her past: she gave birth to a child who became a progenitor of our Lord Jesus. What an honour!

Wounded one, you can come through this painful experience and sing the song of the overcomer. By God's grace you can learn to live in the present and let go of the past. How? By spending time in God's presence and allowing His love to touch the hurting places within you. Give all your secrets to God - and leave them there. He can take the misery out of the memory like you take the poison out of an insect bite; then your healing will begin. Job, who lost his health, his wealth and his family, lived to see these words fulfilled: 'You shall forget your misery; you shall remember it as waters that pass away.'

Go ahead, stand in the stream of God's grace and release it. Let it all go. It was night, but now it's day! Let God hold you safely in His arms. There, you can allow the past to fall from you like a garment. You may remember it, but you won't have to wear it any more: 'You shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid' (Job 11:19 AMP). No more pacing the floor, no more bad dreams, no more fear of tomorrow. Shame has been removed and grace enthroned. Rise up in Christ's name and take authority over every memory that keeps you linked to the past. Allow God to heal your scars, break your chains and set you free.

Anni's funeral was this morning. It was really difficult to get through. It was really sad.

I don't really know what else to say except that i am really grateful that i did not have to go alone. If there has been one time in the past two and a bit years that i did not want to be alone - that was it - so many, many thanks to the person who came with me today, despite not even knowing her. I can't imagine having to have gone on my own.

Maybe i will be able to write more about this later. Maybe i won't.

I just can't believe Anni is gone.

Charges against Cornelius Arie Smith-Voorkamp dropped

Good.

All Charges Dropped Against Autistic Man

Police have dropped all charges against an autistic man accused of burgling a Christchurch property soon after the February earthquake.

Following his arrest on February 25, it was revealed that Cornelius Arie Smith-Voorkamp, 25, has Asperger's syndrome and an effect of his condition is a compulsion to take electric fittings.

He was doing that when he was caught in a building in Lincoln Road.

He spent time in custody but once his medical condition was revealed by his foster family in Auckland he was released on bail.

He originally admitted the charges but was refused diversion.

In a hearing at Christchurch's Maori Land Court this morning, the charges were dropped.

Defence counsel Jonathan Eaton has previously suggested the case could be considered for a discharge without conviction since Smith-Voorkamp had already spent time in prison.

He said the physical act was admitted, but issues of mental health and capacity had to be considered.

I wrote about what i thought of this, back when it happened. I also wrote about my opinion of the disgusting column that Michael Laws wrote in relation to the treatment that Arie Smith - Voorkamp had received at the hands of the Police.

Brian Edwards also did an awesome commentary regarding that repulsive article - A Line-By-Line Commentary on Michael Laws’ Column on Asperger’s ‘Looter’ Arie Smith.

I am glad that the charges have finally been dropped. I would though, still like to know what justice is being done in relation to the injuries that Arie received while in custody.

I hope his charges being dropped was not part of some dodgy trade off in order to keep the details of how he received those injuries silent, or for the person or people who "mete out that justice" to not be punished.

Crap Date Dot Com

This is hilarious...

http://www.crapdate.com/

That website is bringing back all sorts of memories!

I went on a date once, with a guy that was such a bad kisser that i was left with bruises on my face from his efforts.

No joke.

I hid from him when he turned up at my place unannounced, with flowers for me the next day.

I was amazed when i came across him on a friend of a friend's Facebook page recently. He is married with kids now. I can't believe any woman would be able to put up with what a terrible kisser he was.

I mean BRUISES! Hello?

Anyway - funny website - had to be shared. Those stories don't make my dating experiences look any better - i just feel less alone!

Give Your Marriage a Tune-Up!

'...be kind to one another, tender-hearted...' Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

The secret to closeness in marriage is not sparkling conversation or shared interests or incredible sex. As good as those are, the secret is practising plain, old-fashioned thoughtfulness and kindness. It's the stuff we learn when we're young and forget when we're too busy: things like respect, sensitivity, attentiveness and caring.

If your marriage needs a tune-up, start doing these four things.

First, practise 'hug therapy'. When you're at odds with each other, remember this: 'Hearts may agree though heads differ.' A hug works wonders. When we touch one another in caring ways our bodies actually produce chemicals that calm us emotionally and help us to bond physically. God designed us that way.

Secondly, don't forget the small stuff. When you routinely build little kindnesses into your marriage they become a source of strength later; it's like money in the bank you can draw on. So think 'personal' and 'sweet', like helping to clean up after dinner, making the bed, walking the dog or putting out the bins.

Thirdly, mind your manners. Just because you're married doesn't mean common courtesy should go by the wayside. The Bible says, 'Be kind to one another, tender hearted.' That means listening without interrupting, and practising the basics like saying 'Please', 'Thank you' and 'I'm sorry'. This stuff's not rocket science, but it works!

Finally, compliment each other. Your marriage partner is not a mind reader. Whenever you think something nice about them, tell them! We live in a cold, competitive world; hearing that we're loved, smart, attractive and fun from someone whose opinion we really value means everything.

That can go for every relationship that we have really.

This morning is not good. We have all slept in.

Jorgia left her uniform on her bedroom floor all weekend, then just put it in the washing machine last night, and expected it to miraculously be clean and dry this morning...without turning the bloody machine on! She now seems to think it is my fault that her uniform is not clean. Her dirty uniform has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that it sat on her bedroom floor all weekend.

I have to be out of here for the day in 45 minutes, and Nicole is only half way through her hour long shower that she has every morning. I don't have time to be writing on the blog this morning, but because my daughter thinks it is ok to use the equivalent to the annual rain fall in the Amazon every time she has a shower - i have been able to make time while i wait for my turn in the bathroom.

I. Am. Stuffed.

I better hug them and tell them how wonderful they are.

I think the duck faked it

Trevor Mallard was fibbing when he said the following;

Mallard noted the weight loss on television and admitted to "distinctly lacking in confidence" after his "major injury".

"I can cycle slightly better than I can walk."

Mallard, Labour's campaign manager for November's election, said he had considered refusing to compete.

He was totally lulling The Whale into a false sense of security. He was calling our bluffs. He was faking it.

The Duck just coasted through the end of the first lap, with a smile on his face, and he wasn't even peddling! If he looked any more relaxed, he would have been asleep. He even looked younger than he does on TV.

The Whale followed a few minutes later, looking a little less relaxed.

I guess they will be onto the third lap by now. I headed home after that first lap though - it was cold up there.

All i have to say about this is - here's hoping that Mallard can pull something like this off in November. I hope he is faking Labour's campaign and the polls at the moment, as well!

***Update***

Trevor, the Duck won. Cameron the Whale did awesome, and was laughing while he did it - i would still be out there had i attempted a 60 k bike race.

Commentary on the race can be found here - Whale vs Duck — Trevor wins

Respect All Faiths

An awesome article by Deborah Coddington - not just because she writes about caring for our children - she also discusses the fact that it is fashoinable in New Zealand to mock, or dismiss anything to do with Christianity.

Only communities can care for kids - not Govt

It's shocking enough that about 40,000 New Zealand children start school on empty tummies, but more hideous is that sensible people want the Government to do something about it.

Then again, when I discussed this problem on Facebook some from the far right said it wasn't their problem; they had their own children to feed. I guess heartlessness exists on both sides.

But let's suppose the state runs breakfasts and children have full stomachs. Will their hearts and minds be nourished? As a nation we'd be fast-tracking towards the riots Britain is weeping about.

Labour leader Ed Milliband, touring wrecked Tottenham last week, learned of oiks with nothing to do in their community. His reaction? "We must give them a stake in society."

Politicians can't give individuals "a stake", least of all by providing breakfast. Government in Wellington doesn't care about little Susie in Kaikoura and whether she likes one Weetbix or two. Governments have taken community away from us - we need to take it back and 40,000 hungry children present an opportunity.

St Andrew's Church in Martinborough, led by vicar extraordinaire Archdeacon May Croft, started providing breakfast for the local school, which is not low decile, about a year ago. Any child can come, including those whose mothers start work early

It means the truly poor and hungry aren't stigmatised.

Breadcraft and Hansells provide bread and chocolate drink. Locals donate homemade bacon, apples, milk - they give generously. Ask people nicely and they never turn you down. At first breakfast was shy and nervous; now it's evolved into a lovely time.

The children say a karakia, choose a story, rinse their dishes, then are walked to school and discuss nature along the way. Their vocabulary is extended. The vicar's te reo Maori is improving.

The extended community has become involved and not all approve. Some say the children don't look hungry, that Winz should be told. But Winz don't know these children by name. These are our children, they should be fed by this community - it's about sitting together and eating together and some mums come along and help, too, when they can.

The best feedback was when a social worker commented that the chances of these children growing up and feeding their own children properly is high.

This programme isn't unique - there are many, not necessarily church-based - around New Zealand. Churches are a good place to start but it's fashionable these days to dismiss anything concerning Christianity. Wanganui's Mayor, Annette Main, wants to remove the opening prayer from the council meeting because she thinks it should respect "all faiths", a move which is now before the Human Rights Tribunal. Did it really harm anyone to mention God before the meetings?

Cameron Slater doesn't hold back in his pummelling of my writings but my repugnance for one of his cowardly critics far outweighs his loathing of me.

Slater recently blogged that he'd no longer be a panellist on Martyn Bradbury's television programme after Bradbury, among other insults, tried to link Slater's Christian beliefs to far-right Christian Anders Breivik's slaughter at Norway's youth camp.

Would Bradbury dare link Muslim Labour MP Ashraf Choudhary to the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York?

No, because "respecting all faiths" in this country often means tip-toeing around Islam but mocking Christianity.

I've digressed, but my point is if we don't want hungry children ending up as angry, looting youth in hoodies, taking goods they don't need just because they can, then I don't think we should shrug our shoulders and say their plight is not our problem, it's government's. Blaming their parents might make you feel better but won't help the kids.

How about encouraging those on benefits to give something in exchange? There may not be jobs but there's plenty of work to be done. Breakfast programmes for children are an extreme time commitment. We have about 16,500 unemployed youth who could make porridge and toast, read stories, teach te reo, walk kiddies to school.

Our Martinborough community feeds 16 kids. To feed 40,000 children this country only needs another 2499 voluntary breakfast centres. Too easy.

Agreed - Too easy.

Coddington on Caring

Protect Yourself Spiritually

'He will...oppress the...people of the Most High...' Daniel 7:25 NLT

Satan uses two strategies. First, 'he will defy the Most High.' Satan will always attack God's plan, God's principles and God's people, so be on guard! Secondly, 'he will... oppress the... people of the Most High.'

Weariness is a weapon Satan will use against you. When you're worn out, you're vulnerable. At that point temptation can lead to compromise, compromise to indulgence and indulgence to defeat. '...make no provision for the flesh' (Romans 13:14 NKJV). Don't give Satan an inch or he will take a mile. Your mind is where the real attack takes place. The Bible warns you to be careful, lest you become 'wearied and faint in your minds' (Hebrews 12:3 KJV). Satan will wear you down in order to wipe you out, so you must take time to replenish your strength in God's presence.

It's easy to get caught up in the work of the Lord, and not spend time with the Lord of the work. Jesus said, 'Come to me, all...who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept My teachings and learn from Me...I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The teaching...I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light' (Matthew 11:28-30 NCV).

When you commit yourself to doing God's will, God's way, in God's strength, you don't wear out. You're fulfilled, you stay in balance, and you overcome the stress and anxiety of this world. And that's how God wants you to live.

I have nothing to add to that, so i will just share an amazing video that i love to watch. I ADORE this song, and the video is just amazing. I wish i had been there!

Have a great day you lot. Get out there and enjoy this sunshine that we have been blessed with, after such terrible weather lately. x

Whale vs Duck - 2

Blubber v Bovver by bike

In a year of political races, today's may be the silliest.

Cameron Slater, the blogger known as Whaleoil, and Trevor Mallard, the Labour Party's "bovver boy", will face off in a 60km bicycle race in Auckland's eastern suburbs.

The contest came about when Slater goaded Mallard, calling him "cripple" after he broke his right femur and right shoulder blade when he brushed wheels with another cyclist during a race in Otago five months ago. The MP lashed back, calling the well-upholstered Slater "blubber boy".

Slater, who is known for his obsessive blogging style, has been true to his compulsive nature and cycled about 15kg off his frame in preparation.

Mallard noted the weight loss on television and admitted to "distinctly lacking in confidence" after his "major injury".

"I can cycle slightly better than I can walk."

Mallard, Labour's campaign manager for November's election, said he had considered refusing to compete.

But he has cycled the 20km course - of which they will ride three circuits - and will be there today.

"I'm probably of the mindset and generation that doesn't like quitting."

Slater is relentless: "He is a cripple. And he's running a crippled campaign."

The race starts at 1.30pm at Musick Point Reserve at Bucklands Beach.

What a stunningly beautiful day it is out there today for a bike race. I will be at Musick Point today to back Cameron. I will be going against my inherent desire to always cheer for the underdog, just because Cameron is always there to back me - no matter how crazy, silly, mental, sad, angry, or just downright stupid i am being.

He is a good friend.

I found this part of yesterday's article in relation to the race really interesting, for obvious reasons;

Slater had publicly struggled with depression, and credits getting off anti-depressants, good vitamin B levels and a good diet with the improvement.

He conceded his mental state impacted on his blog with some "quite vile" writing.

"There's a lot of things I shouldn't have written or regret writing. But you have to own your words. I leave them there on the blog as a lesson to myself and other people as to what can happen if you get into the pits of despair."

That is very similar to the dilemma that i have struggled with regarding my writing, the beginning of my blog, and some of the anger, hurt, and hate that i had spewed on it - and my reasoning for leaving it there for so long, despite not being all that proud of it.

I feel better for removing the hate. Part of me wishes that i had the guts to leave it up like Cameron has done with his "vile writing" for the same reason that he has stated he leaves it up - to show people where i had once been, and that there is always hope - but most of me feels lighter and happier for having removed it all.

Anyway - GO WHALE! The mutt and i will be there to cheer you on!

Live Life Joyously

This just had to be shared.

Anni Nash Costa Rica 7th, July, 2007

Life has to be a joy, a dance, a celebration. And when death comes, it has to be welcomed with silence, with serenity — wholeheartedly, not holding anything back. This is a way to kill death itself.

- Osho

If you have lived joyously, you will be ready to welcome death too — invite her for a dance! Death is powerful only over people who have never lived, who don’t have the courage to relax peacefully in moments of death without any fear — because no accident, no disease, nothing can make even a dent in your consciousness; you are always intact.

Dear Anni beautiful expression of life - what a joy and smile you were in your life and continue to be in your new form. What a beautiful time we had seeing YOU through our hearts and and through the lens.

Your heartbeat is still heard through these images and the gratitude so many people have for you and carry for you in their hearts. ~ Michael Julian Berz PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEO ART

What are you grateful for?

Whale Vs Duck

Whale Vs Duck — 2 more sleeps

Only one more sleep now!

If you have nothing better to do tomorrow, i can recommend a trip out to Musick Point to cheer on Cameron Slater - or Trevor Mallard- whichever takes your fancy.

A few months ago old Trevor challenged the Whale to a bike race, which was a bit brave of him considering he was in a wheelchair at the time! Anyone that knows the Whale would know not to challenge him to anything, unless you are fond of getting your ass kicked in a very public manner.

For those of you that think Cameron is unfit, overweight - whatever - i will have you know that i spent last summer trying to beat Cameron with my running. I think one week i did more kilometres than he did, and this was back when i was doing a minimum 6 k a day. Some days i did 12.

Despite being more left leaning these days, and always, always cheering for the underdog, i am going against my own grain this time, and will be there to cheer on Cameron.

I hope it is a beautiful day like today. Even if you don't care who wins, Musick Point and Bucklands Beach are always a beautiful place to visit.

The Right Focus

'You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm...' Isaiah 26:3 GNT

Your life is like a camera; you've got to focus it correctly to get the right results. Having the right focus can bring four results.

First, it simplifies things. When you're not clear as to your purpose, you try to do too much-and that causes stress, inner conflict and confusion. You have only enough time and energy to do God's will. Not getting everything done may be an indicator that you're doing far more than God ever intended. Focus leads to a simpler lifestyle and a saner schedule. Only when you keep your focus can you keep your peace: 'You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm.'

Secondly, it gives you direction. If you want your life to have impact, consult God, and then do what He tells you. Don't confuse activity with productivity. Diffused light has limited impact, but when light's focused like a laser it can cut through steel.

Thirdly, it energises you. It's meaningless work, more than overwork, that wears you down. George Bernard Shaw wrote, 'This is the true joy of life: being used up for a purpose recognised by yourself as a mighty one...being a force of nature instead of a selfish little clot of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.'

Finally, it determines your legacy. When people recall your name, what will they associate with it? 'A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold' (Proverbs 22:1 NIV). Ultimately, what matters isn't what others say about you, but what God says. So focus on the end game.

I love it. That is just what i needed to read this morning. In fact, that is probably what i need to read every morning.

The sun is shining, but it is so cold. I love the heater in my car. I struggled just now, to get out of my car and come inside because my car is so much warmer than my home. My fingers are now too stiff to type much - it is that cold at my home right now.

Anni's funeral is on Tuesday morning. I have been thinking about her a lot. I have a lot of people in my life that don't believe in God. I had a conversation with one of those people yesterday. He asked me how i can explain God doing that to Anni. We were talking about God and karma, and how this friend of mine believes in neither. He asked me how i can explain God being good, when he does things like he did to Anni. He said that God must not be all powerful, or have control over everything, if he is good, or else that would not have happened to Anni.

He said that karma doesn't exist because if the whole concept of "what goes around comes around" was true, then Anni never would have gotten sick.

I am struggling right now, with the points that he made about God doing something like that to Anni. I don't really care about the karma comments, but i have to admit that i am struggling with the points that he made about God.

I wish i was more knowledgeable regarding The Bible, and my faith in God, and had the answers. All i could mutter though, was that everything is part of God's plan, and faith is all about believing in something that we can't prove. All i could say was that God has a reason, and a good reason, for what happened to Anni. We just don't know what that is right now. We may never know - but that we just have to have faith.

That was a pretty lame answer. I wish i knew a better answer.

Friday Funny

Someone showed this to me the other night, and my stomach still hurts from laughing. I love the bit about the hard to reach plants.

Enjoy.

There's a Place at the Table for All of Us

'...they made Him a supper; Martha served...Lazarus...sat at the table with Him.' John 12:2 NKJV

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, we read, '...a dinner was given in Jesus' honour' (John 12:2 NIV). Martha served, Mary sat listening to what Jesus had to say, and Lazarus talked to the guests. So, there's room at God's table for all kinds of people.

Let's take a closer look at Martha. Marthas are generally in the background with their sleeves rolled up, making sure everybody's fed and watered. They rarely seek the spotlight, and often we don't appreciate them until they're missing. The problem with Marthas is that they're inclined to make the mission more important than the Master. They need to remember that worship is also service. Marys tend to forget there are bills to be paid and meals to be cooked. Sometimes they act so heavenly-minded, they're no earthly use. They need to realise that service is worship too. But we need Marys; they bring passion to our worship, and you can always count on them to intercede with God on behalf of others. '...they flocked to see...the man Jesus had raised from the dead...because of him...many...believed in Jesus' (John 12:9-11 NLT). Lazarus had a story so amazing that those who heard it became instant converts. He reminds us that we each have a story to share about God's grace and mercy. When was the last time you shared yours?

So, if you're a Martha, God sees your labour of love. If you're a Mary, He delights in your worship. If you're a Lazarus, He promises to honour your testimony. There's a place at the table for all of us!

I think i might be a Mary. Who knows though...i have the faults in all of those examples!

I have had a great day today, and am looking forward to an even better evening. Nixon is out of jail. My house is clean. The kids are all about to get dropped off at friends' places all over Howick...right after i wash my filthy car. The sun has been shining, and i got myself a hefty dose of Vitamin D earlier. I just sat down in the sun and let it shine on me for ages. It was wonderful.

Life is good.