gabriellaclare

phillip & the ethiopian eunuch in wordle

2010-07-13T03:16:00.000-07:00

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alt="Wordle: phillip & ethiopian eunuch"
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Bono & grace

2009-03-22T01:03:00.001-07:00

"You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It's clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I'm absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that as you reap, so you will sow" stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff."
Bono Quotes

small group feedback

2009-03-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

After reading the Beatitudes and the many blessed are as Jesus began to gather people around Himself, a small group member shared how important the words we speak are, here Jesus is blessing the people, and we see, in the process forming a new community. So the words Jesus spoke began to change everything, in light of this we began to wonder what is the role of prophesy in the church, how much emphasis should be placed on prophesy, and the member shared Scripture she had found in 1 Corinthians on orderly prophesy.

Sermon on the Mount

2009-03-03T01:52:00.000-08:00

I have started a new (Christian) 'small group'. Over the course of this year we will be systematically looking at the gospel of Matthew, Chapters 5 - 7. Within the frame of what the verse reveals about
- God
- Others
- The world around us
- Myself

Systematically - so we have to tackle the more 'difficult' verses.
We will read the verse and keep in mind over the following week, how does that verse speak to these 4 areas.
I will post some insight by the group (keeping in mind, those attending the group are just ordinary people = not theologians).
This way we can share our insight with the world !, as well as keep in the loop, those who may miss attendance at the group.

3rd March 2009
Matt 5:1 - 3Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

What has this revealed to the home group about
GOD - that Jesus drew his disciples to himself. Some were 'attracted', and some were 'called'. Jesus was a teacher.
OTHERS - Jesus adressed and had compassion on crowds, this is a reminder for some of us that when our church bursts at the seams (as it is), and is nothing like 'back in the day' when everyone knew everyone and there was a real sence of personal connection with every person in the church, that Jesus often spoke and formed 'crowds'.
MY ENVIROMENT - Jesus addressed the reality that in this world there are 'the poor in spirit', even with the in - breaking of the Kingdom of God with the incarnation of Christ, there is still a 'not yet', there are still the poor and opressed who are addressed in theis scripture.
MYSELF - All are important to GOd - regardless of ones need,or social standing in society.

Please not that of course we realize this does not 'exhaust' the meaning of the scripture by any means, it is our groups interpretation for the week.

2009-01-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

low tide here uncovers my tea tonight !(mussels)

summer fun

2009-01-05T17:11:00.001-08:00

LOOKING 4 A Gr8 INTERNATIONAL MUSICIAN ?

2009-01-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

www.steviericeentertainment.com

LUNCH Jan 09

2009-01-05T16:32:00.000-08:00

Have spent the last week or so scuba diving - enjoying the south island of New Zealands east coast. Fun week in Picton then onto kk again. Have shelled over 150 mussels in the last few days, looking forward to mussel mornay, fried, salad, battered, crumbed, chilli, marinated ...

post modern family

2008-11-27T01:13:00.000-08:00

i recognized the limited value of my facebook and bebo websites (my technological icons that reflect the postmodern era !) last week,,, as while meeting again with whanau breifly over the weekend, many of my bebo and facebook 'friends' wernt just the digital images connected through my on-line family tree - but were again, cousins, brothers, sisters, neices and nephews who i hold so close to my heart and who once again felt like flesh and blood rather than distant mega-pixal people.

the evolution of dance

2008-11-19T01:53:00.000-08:00

went to a show last weekend, and there was lots of crumping.
That was o.k. - looks like fun but then got thinking...
where do you go from there - what dance could evolve from crumping ?
Am looking forward to see whats next (i must be getting old)

2008-11-17T23:23:00.000-08:00

IM BACK

2008-11-17T23:11:00.000-08:00

welcome to my bebo visitors, have added a link from the bebo page.
Here i intend to be more vigilant in adding favourite fotos, thoughts, impressions, and life stuff from a Christian woman, parenting alone and loving it...(of course i would have prefered not to be widowed - but hey, make the most of now)

Crayfishing

2007-12-26T19:01:00.000-08:00

Grandad, Cat & Josh enjoyed the fishing and we will enjoy tea tonight.

2007-12-05T01:33:00.000-08:00

Both young men and maidens,
old men and children
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for HIs name alone is exalted (Pss 148:12-13)

Photo taken at a school celebration today.

Royal New Zealand Show

2007-11-26T16:39:00.000-08:00

I took family (and two extras) to the show recently.
We had a fantastic day, enjoyed learning about the animals and bees,and farm
machinery. A reminder how vital horticulture and agriculture are to New Zealanders and our economy.
The children enjoyed show rides, pony rides, and I enjoyed just being able to smell the country smells !

Gone Fishing

2007-11-24T19:59:00.000-08:00

Dad sent me this foto today,
Thinks its time i visited the folks !

Songbirds are silent

2007-11-10T16:31:00.000-08:00

the end of an era with my workplace waiata(Maori hymns) group finishing last week, have learnt so many new songs and enjoyed the lunchtime companions. Picture of nephew leading haka at family function and words to my favourite waiata
Aue te Ariki aue

Ko koe te Ariki, te Kaiwhakaora
O Lord, creator God
o nga mea katoa
of everything
Anei ra to iwi, te inoi atu nei
We come befor you and pray that you will be
arohatia matou
merciful to us
Manaakitia mai matou, i roto i tenei ao
Bless us in all we do in this changing world
Aue te Ariki Aue
O Lord, O Christ O Lord

2007-11-08T00:18:00.000-08:00

finally a smith-**** that looks happy to be going to school !

the cross

2007-11-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

The shadow of the cross has fallen over my childrens school community this week and so at home there is talk of the cross, suffering and the reusrrection of Jesus Christ and the Christian hope.

The other gods were strong
but you were weak
they rode...but you stumbled to your throne
But to my wounds, only Gods wounds can speak
and not a god has wounds, but you alone. verse by Edward Shillito

2007-11-04T01:53:00.000-07:00

Mt Fyffe

2007-11-01T00:37:00.000-07:00

Sun set over Mt Fyffe with an early Spring snow.
Photo taken . Sept 07

HrH

2007-10-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

Wants to say HI to the international auntys (have posted more whanau fotos on bebo).

Little Lights Poem by Joy Cowley

2007-10-31T02:38:00.000-07:00

Jesus spoke of little lights, candles, lamps, not great bonfires, just small steady flames to brighten some dark corner of the house.
Come to think of it Jesus allways preached little - children, flowers, sparrows, the widows mite, mustard seeds, loaves and fishes. He didnt expect people to make great gestures. I guess he knew that little is the currency of every day living. So lets thank God for little lights, the warm smile, the phone call, a wave from a passing car, a cup of tea, an open door, a talent freely shared.
How often, when my own candle has gone out, has someone relit it from their lamp of kindness. That cant happen with a big light.
I mean, how close can you get to a supernova?

Foto of Kaikoura lighthouse taken by Hannah Sept 07

Eschawotagy ?

2007-10-30T02:13:00.000-07:00

Have been reading about eschatology for an assignment, fascinating subject - but not to be confused with escatterlollygy, which is the Christian pastoral practise of hiffing moro's & crunchys to the members of congregation who during the previous week have had birthdays, anniversarys etc. :0 (o.k. not my best joke)

2007-10-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

Meal in common

2007-10-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

Last week in class we were learning about some history of communion, with several dimensions including a memorial of what has been with the death and resurection of Christ, the current feeding of the people of God and the promise of the eschatological banquet to come.
The early church celebrated by a meal together, with a unity of the bonds of Christ amongst a diverse people, friendship, and food.
I enjoyed a similar meal last weekend.

Im back

2007-10-17T23:31:00.000-07:00

So much for the 'photo a day'. This week have had problems with
uploading the photos. Not sure why. Will perserve

white stone

2007-10-15T02:15:00.000-07:00

Spent the day on a hermeneutics assignment.
Dont want to type any more today.

Have really got to stop thinking about hermeneutics.
Having technical difficulties with computer connection
its not doing what its suppose to
Will have to post the photo tomorow, when I have

strengths & weakness.perfection & imperfection

2007-10-13T02:18:00.000-07:00

Listening to guest speaker - Catholic priest and Chaplain extraordinaire Rev Fr John OcConner again this week who spoke on prayer - what do we think we are doing.
At the end of the session he asked if those who took notes would put them away for 48 hours and just sit with what the Spirit is doing in our hearts. I obediently tucked my notes away Wednesday afternoon and have been looking for them ever since ! Some things I am still mulling over, in particular John spoke about Jesus Incarnate in the manger. That God meets us in the reality of our lives and dwells with us there - wherever that is for us, and that sometimes we feel worse when we have met with God, but I want to add that meeting with Jesus will allways bring an invitation to life and hope. I dont quite know how to bring in these wrestling figures ( I found these guys lined up on my bench) to the story, maybe comparing their supposed strength, to the reality of my own humaness.

SPRING DAFFIDOLS

2007-10-12T00:33:00.000-07:00

I was spring cleaning the other day and sorting through my clothes and drawers when I came across a love letter written to me by Tama when he was dying in hospital. I was sitting reading and remembering when I heard a knock on the door and standing there was Lara (a friend) holding a big bunch of daffidols !

When I told her what happened she shoved the flowers in my hands, burst into tears and ran down the driveway (much to my amusement).

I felt so blessed and brave enough to share my story and flowers with you.

2007-09-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

ANY EXCUSE FOR A PARTY

2007-08-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Eighth Birthday!
Today marks Blogger’s eighth birthday! A time for reflection, a time to catch our breath from yesterday morning, and a time to break out the baby picture.

At my place this year (so far) birthdays have been celebrated with partys, balloons, gifts, movies, banana splits, and a hat party ! Weve got 1 more party for 2007 - (nearly) 10 year old wants to make it a big one !

Mission

2007-07-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

In class today we compared two experiences of mission in the book of Acts . firstly Peter in Acts 2 preaching from the Old Testament to people who (mostly) had a knowledge of Jewish theology, thousands accepted Jesus as the promised Messiah that day - Then later in Acts 17 Paul preached to the Gentiles (who) mostly had no knowledge of the scriptures - so he used what they knew (Greek philosophy and poetry), and just a few were saved. So what does this mean for mission in post modern N.Z. where (mostly) people have zilch awareness of the Bible.

Insects

2007-06-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

My 9 year old son has been learning all about insects @ school and for home-work this week he had to write a 4 paragraph story entitled

WHY INSECTS DONT MAKE GOOD PETS

Because you can easily lose them. And they will eat your vegetable garden. And They are pests because they might set up camp in your sisters bedroom. And your mum might have a heart attack if she finds one in her bed. They might drown in your mums coffee or get decapitated in your air-conditioning unit.

They might sting you if you don't have any shoes on. They might go up your nose at night and tickle you so you wake up. Dust mights can give you asthma. Your nits might get jealous because there are other insects in the house. They might squish between your toes.

They might have a fight with your vacuum cleaner. Or you could find one thinking your butter's a swimming pool. This could be quite an expense to register your insect pets. How would you make your decision which insect to bring for pet day at school?

When you get your photo taken with your pet, people will think it's just a self portrait. They might go down the plug hole. The land lords may charge extra rent. Max my dog might get jealous. M.A.F. may visit and give you a heavy fine.

These are just some of the reasons why insects arn't good pets!

2007-06-16T03:52:00.000-07:00

TXT MSG (To Dad thismorning) Watching 2 X rugby matches in cold rain, am frozen...

TXT MSG (Dad replys) GOD is good

I wont blog my immediate response !!

Yes I agree God is good - as I think of the effort both the boys put into their games and the friendship and the hot chockolate to warm us all up, I admire my children - they know God is good, even in the cold difficult patches

GIVING THANKS FOR THE BEAUTY IN MY LIFE JUNE 2007

2007-06-16T03:20:00.000-07:00

Trying to decide which photograph to publish on blog and remembered Joy Cowelys poem found in "Psalms for the road". This is the first verse.

Let us give thanks for the beauty we know, Autumn colour and wet spring blossom nature pinging against our hearts, causing them to slow in awe, thanks for sunlight green in a wave, for diamond bright beaches and starry nights, thanks for the beauty in childrens eyes.

Swimming with the dolphins

2007-04-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

www.dolphin.co.nz
Easter Saturday I really enjoyed a trip out to the deep - just off Goose Bay, Kaikoura where a friend Deanne and I swam with dolphins in the wild, they are the most graceful, gentle sea creatures, there was 200 in the pod and around 30 stayed back to swim with us.
We where in waters 500 metres deep and snorkelling, floating and diving, a southerly stirred the waters up and it was a rock & rolling trip back.
A great way to spend an afternoon.

South Island of New Zealand

2007-04-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the warm weather on Easter weekend 2007

Irish Visitors

2007-03-02T23:58:00.000-08:00

Lovely to see my sister her hubby and their brand new arrival a couple of weeks ago - I've never met such a contented wee baby and no concerns after travelling across the globe to meet his Kiwi relations. (Picture of Grandad Ken & his mokopuna).

Last weekend walked through the foothills of Mt Fyffe, on the Hinau Track one day and then ventured further up the hill the following day, returned home exhausted but focused for this term

I am participating in an Introduction to Preaching class, and am involved in the Pastoral care work and training - all this while preparing my house for sale and raising my lovely young family, so have sworn off the T.V. for now (something had to give) as I need a few extra hours in the day.

Its a small world after all...

2007-01-22T02:06:00.000-08:00

Went to a party last weekend and found out that my son's best friends father's sisters husband is actually my cousins husbands' brother...

2007-01-12T22:52:00.000-08:00

It does seem true that the local mall can be compared to an image of a temple - where people meet, talk and worship together. In the weeks preceding Christmas I guess I also spent some time and money there. I was pleased to pack up and head out of town for a long awaited holliday - my dog Max came with us and enjoyed lots of play time in the reserve and along the beach, when we headed south to a holliday park we left Max in the capable and loving care of neighbours. I was surprised then last Sunday morning at the camp to recieve a cell. phone call from a shop assistant to say that they had Max, who had trotted in to the mall - several k.m.'s from home. I made a quick ph. call and he was back in friends custody again!

CHEERS

2007-01-04T01:25:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to all the Whanau

From H & J

Christmas day

2007-01-04T00:38:00.000-08:00

What a super Christmas with the folks this year. Some of the moments I especially enjoyed on Christmas day .... heading down to Jimmy Armers first thing in the morning to test run the new surfboard ... Mum's roast dinner ...watching (J), my 9 year old son diving for paua's with his Grandad, floating around the bullkelp whilst keeping a watery eye on the seals sunbathing on the nearby rocks! ... watching the children finally find baby Jesus in the Nativity scene (no early arrivals at Grandad's house) ... contact with my brothers and sisters - this year I have Gerard & Janine in Sth England, Matt offshore on the rig, Rachel & Yousif in Las Vegas and Cat & Stevie in Ireland.

My Poem to the Holy Spirit

2006-12-17T23:51:00.000-08:00

God
Hovering at creation,
The Holy Spirit
Unfolding seed at incarnation,
The third Person of the Trinity
God's gift Jesus released to the nations.

The power of God on earth
indwelling
Agent of restoration
causing wholeness,
separation
sanctification.

Doing the work of the Father and Son.
Bringing peace and love

In the freshness of the wind we find Him - on the wings of a dove
In the cloud - He will lead and guide
THROUGH THE WATER - regenerate life

The fire, our souls, will purify.
Overcoming darkness

with the annointing oil
Is His
Quenchable
Light.

Of the Son,
the Spirit brings, to us - His story
To the Father,
the Spirit - gives all of the glory.