Christmas and Gingers!

Two articles have amused me today involving Santa and Tesco!!

Nice Sentiment

Its been a bit of an up and down week unfortunately, but a good friend sent me these words. I don't know who it is by, but I liked it!

"In the rain, stand your ground and you will smile again. And so you grow..."

Ladies, give this a read...

I enjoyed reading this article today on the Sophia website.

Slowly, but surely...

I want to encourage everyone that it can be done. Loosing weight isn't that difficult when its done right and properly. Eating well and doing a small bit of exercise regularly is all I have been doing. I'm now over halfway through my weightloss goal. ☺

Food For Thought

I found these quotes online. I really liked them, as hard as they are to live out...

"Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone; to have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But God to the Christian says, "No, not until you're satisfied and fulfilled and content with living, loved by me alone and giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me, to have an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.”

"I love you, my child, and until you discover that only in me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with Me-exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires or belongings.”

"I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow me to bring it to you. You just keep watching me, expecting the greatest things. Keep learning and listening to the things I tell you. You must wait.”

"Don't be anxious and don't worry. Don't look around at the things you think you want. Just keep looking off and away up to me, or you'll miss what I have to show you."

“And then, when you're ready, I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you would ever dream. You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready, I am working this minute to have both of you ready at the same time, and until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I've prepared for you, you won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me, and this is perfect love.”

"And Dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love that I offer you with myself. Know I love you. I am God Almighty, believe and be satisfied."

Sombre Day

Yesterday the ashes of my Uncle were scattered. It was the first time I had ever been witness to such a ceremony. It is always a lot more glam on TV; on a beach or off the back of a ship or something! It was on my family's plot with just me my Mum and my Aunt. We all wish we had prepared something to say or read, but I got the chance to say a little prayer on my Aunts request. It was a moving time for us all, but I was glad I could be there with both of them as they said goodbye to their brother.

We Shall Remember Them...

(am playing catch up and posting some photos from my phone)

Film Review

Marathon day returns..... :-)

I really wanted to catch this film before it drops off the face of the cinema earth! It was cleverly done flicking between the days to tell the story. My uni education brain reminds me this is called a non-linear narrative! Summer is a character and it is all about Tom's love for her. The use of cartoon animation was very Juno/Napoleon.

A mushy film to keep me entertained on a Sunday afternoon! Not too much to say about it really. Its Jennifer Aniston in yet another romantic film, finding love, when ironically this isn't the case for her in real life.

I ♥ original Fame. The advert for new Fame made me want to go. It was a good film...but...not a lot to it. It flew through all four years of their education, with a big 'aren't we great' ending.

Me, at the Opera?!

I was very generously taken to the opera in Covent Garden. I finally got to go the amazing opera house that I used to walk past every day at work. I was very grateful for the subtitles, as I could easily follow what was going on! It was a great experience, but one I definately personally couldn't afford to do again.

Fancy...

I 'facebooked' this the other week, but when did stamps change and get all fancy?!

Its Good To Laugh

The tickets for this were purchased many many months ago. It has been a rare treat that I have counted down to. It was odd to see a stand up gig in such a big venue, but it was good all the same. Its always a good sign when you leave somewhere aching from laughing too much! Sammy and I had lots of fun.

London Underground Map

As a resident of London town I have grown up knowing my way round the underground system pretty well. I was reading in one of the free London papers the other day that the tube map has been re-designed with no Thames and no zones! (apologies for no decent image of it). Boris had something to say about it, along with many other people and the river has now been put back on the map to avoid confusions! From the article I was reading however, there are still no zones. Is this a cheeky ploy to get more money from clueless travellers/tourists?!

Reality Check

I have been very blessed in life to not encounter much first-hand crime. I live in a good area and have good people around me. I was reading my local paper this week and in it were two stories of crimes in the area where I work. During the day there was a minor stabbing in Morrisons and a small time robbery at the bank I use. I was planning on blogging on this regardless, but then this morning I arrived at work to find our office had been badly broken into and trashed. The idiots didn't take much for their efforts to get in. Our local residents who complain about any tiny noise didn't hear a thing! Typical. Then one of the mechanics who works opposite came and spoke to me and told me about a poor girl who was raped nearby a few nights ago. It is all a little bit too much at once for this area.

The Grove

I feel very blessed with the people I have in my life. Some friends in particular are very generous. My friend Phil had some complimentary vouchers for a stay at The Grove in Hertfordshire. We went for two days at the end of June which were amazing, but I had the chance to go back with him again this weekend and see once again how the other half live! It was a good chance to relax and escape my ever busy life. There are no more vouchers now and I would never ever be able to afford to go there. So we made the most of the opportunity we had to stay in a place which costs more than my monthly rent per night!

New Term

I couldn't resist taking this photo as the folders that I had made for the new gap year team sat staring down at me from my desk! I have a new team of students to work with for the next academic year. I have had an amazing first year in this role and I look forward to what my second year will be like. I wonder what they are thinking right now about this unknown year they are about to start?!

Humour In The Truth

I have been watching Live at the Apollo re-runs on Dave recently and last week I caught the Lenny Henry episode. There was a very very brief snippet where he talked about the differences between black-church and white-church names. As usual with stand-up it was funny because it is so true!

(View from 6.04 minutes in)

Fail

Took a day off today for a cinema marathon, due to power cuts and (as always) rubbish staff, my time was wasted and I missed out on Bandslam (no great loss), The Proposal and The Ugly Truth.

GO Festival 09

As I type this post there are numerous mission projects taking place around North London. This weekend saw the start of GO with the festival weekend. All the young people that attended the weekend are now out stretching their faith and taking the gospel to areas where it is perhaps lacking and/or needed. I really enjoyed being part of the team for the weekend and look forward to hearing about each project at the final celebration on Sunday.

Photos from the week can be seen by clicking here for my Flickr account.

Happy times for the top team!!!!

Film Review

Lets be honest, my brain cannot cope with time travel films! The Back To The Future trilogy hurt my brain, let alone films such as The Lake House!

This film was nice and a good one for a girlie trip to the cinema. I think the attempt to make the characters look older and younger throughout the film, and set it in different decades worked well. But I personally cannot get my head around how events from the past and future shaped the current!

Update...

The weight loss efforts are still going well. ☺

Film Review

I can safely say that this film is not for everyone!! I think it would offend quite a few people. I switched from laughing out loud to being jaw-droppingly shocked all the way through! In the same way as Borat, I would like to know how much was set up and how much was capturing peoples real reactions to what they were seeing in front of them!

Upkeep

So I've just been out in my garden. It gets seriously attacked by weeds, slugs, snails and cats. Most plants I buy have died very quickly. I think a big factor in this is my lack of serious watering!! As much as I love my little garden space, I get lazy about it. I only have to go down my stairs, out of my front door and through the padlocked garden gate, but I see this as effort for some reason!! Especially when this routine has to be repeated in order to fill up big watering can in the flat! I find myself buying new plants quite often to replace the ones that are no longer with me!!

It struck me this evening that I think this best sums up my relationship with God. I get lazy! I can't be bothered to make the effort sometimes. I love God a billion times more than my little garden, but my bone idleness (Dad word!) gets in the way and things can get out of my control. I come to my senses and some metaphorical weeding has to be done. Luckily the God I follow is all in support of starting again with new metaphorical plants!

Psalm 143:8

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

for to you I lift up my soul.

Sweet Instructions

Pre-diet, when I was eating a few love hearts, I found this one. It made me think about the following scripture...

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorised and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 (The Message)

Need To Slow Down?

Forget the effects of Red Bull, its all about Slow Cow!

Film Review

I hadn't really heard anything about this remake, but the trailer reeled me in! Denzel Washington has been doing the publicity rounds and I caught his interview on Jonathan Ross the other week. The film was interestingly made. The shots were very edgy and the opening credits moved with the action. I found myself on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next. Towards the end I hoped that the film wouldn't be strung out, and in my opinion I don't think it was. John Travolta played a good role as the hostage taker.

Yes thats right, WE'RE the leadership team!

Here is a photo of our deaconate on an day away at All Souls. Mandy is like a child and cannot sit still and pose well for photographs! Oh how we love our Senior Minister. :-)

Going in the right direction

I had a very good week at 'fat club' this week. My weight loss efforts are going very well. I think cycling 10 miles a day to work and back a few times a week helps.

Sad Times

The academic year with work came to an official end tonight. Despite the rain washing out our BBQ plans, we had a lovely fun evening. (if you are on facebook the photos can be viewed here.) It has been my first year overseeing the GAP Team and I have enjoyed it so very much! With four out of the team of nine going back to their home overseas and one moving abroad for a year, it is sad to be hit with the realisation that I will not be surrounded by this awesome bunch of people each week. They have been a great team and I have shared much fun and laughter with them all. Obviously there will be a new team in September, but the reality of part of my job has kicked in; I am spending a year with these groups of people, investing and helping them to grow in themselves and their faith, for them to move on! I know obviously that is what a GAP year is all about, but last years bunch are all still local and I still see them. It may be years before I see the international members of the 2008-9 team again. Sad times...

Is It Just Me...?

I am going to try and write this without causing offence or confusion! I am writing this post as a single Christian girl. Obviously Christians and non-Christians read this blog, so it wont make sense to everyone! But I would welcome any feedback.

Having faith in God is a massive thing for a Christian, and to be in a serious relationship with someone who doesn't share that can be tough and is generally not advised to make life easier. Over the years that I've been in adult relationships I have been with non-Christians, the longest relationship was two and a half years, so it was a serious length of time. I speak from experience about how a match like this does not work very well. Everyone is different and I do not wish to tar people with the same brush.

People have given me so much advice over the years and I'm slowly beginning to realise that I should have listened! This isn't a rant to say that people are not listening to me, I just need to get some things off my chest! I am starting to share more and more about my experiences and how I personally believe that God would want to see us in equal matched relationships, faith-wise. I was always warned about not hurting the other person. If we decide to start a relationship with someone we don't think is right, but will 'see how it goes' and then God challenges us on this, then we will damage the other person and warp their view on God when we decide to not stay with them. Of course not all relationships work out for a whole variety of reasons, but I made this mistake when I was a teenager and I see people doing the same thing when they are adults. I have a friend who has heard from God this week that she needs to be single; so she is going to end her relationship with her non-christian boyfriend, just like that! No doubt this will break his heart as he has no idea or empathy for the reasons.

I had quite a heated discussion earlier today with a Christian friend who didn't think that what I had to say was fair. We were talking about mutual friend of ours who is entering the same dilemma. We agreed to disagree, but I do not want to see this friend hurt, or for her to hurt the person she likes.

More and more of my Christian female friends are getting bored of waiting for 'the one' and settling for long term relationships with non-Christians. I have to battle quite hard sometimes to not join them in this choice. After all, they have someone to go home to at the end of the day. But they do not have someone to stand next to in church, pray with or understand why they do certain things. I will honestly say that I would like more than anything to find myself a decent partner, but I am trusting that it will happen in Gods timing. It is not an easy choice, but I personally believe it is the right one. I do not want to settle for second best when it is someone I aim to spend the rest of my life with.

Film Review

I was so excited to see this film, hence the reason that I got tickets for it on opening night! I was sensible and picked up tickets on Tuesday after work, so this made me and my Dad quite smug on Wednesday by-passing the ridiculous queues to go straight to the screen.

There was obviously lots missing and parts changed from the book, but this comes with producing a screenplay version. The usual brilliance of creating this world was done really well. I have read mixed reviews, but as an H.P fan I found it literally magical! The detail that goes in to everything is amazing. The effects made everything very believable.

These films appeal to all ages and the cinema audience was evidence of this. All ages, families, groups of young people, etc. The film is well worth putting a few hours aside for.

Sunday Mornings

Between my youth duties and deacon duties I am rarely 'just in' a service these days. This morning I was in the support role of youth leadership. On a rotation one leader prepares and the other leader sits in the session and gives help or comment where necessary. One regular girl was in the group today; she is the kind of young person who you secretly, deep down, do not miss when they are not there! She is very loud and has issues with concentration. (To be fair there was a lot of listening this morning, and after a late night I was also struggling to keep up with what one of our lovely volunteers was talking about!!)

We were talking about people being perfect and how no one is perfect. Of course, one bright spark piped up with the classic 'Jesus was perfect'. Naturally, no one disagrees with this...except 'K'. She decided to take on the whole room. No matter where this mixed bunch of young people were in their faith and walk with Jesus, they all jumped on the defence of Jesus being perfect. K had totally missed the point of the gospel and why Jesus had to die. She did not even want to listen as she was sure she was right that "God couldn't be perfect as Jesus must have been crucified for doing something wrong". I tried my best to interject, but she wouldn't listen and spoke over everything. Her best friend and the rest of the group kept trying to explain to her the reasons, but she is currently (I shall work on this!) set in her thoughts.

I took a moment to appreciate how everyone else in the room reacted. Even the ones who were bored and didn't want to be there took the death of Jesus for what it was. Even if I get downhearted by their perhaps slow progressions into living wholeheartedly for Jesus, I know that they carry with them the core values of the faith.

Asbo Classic...

I saw the lastest cartoon today and found it perfect.

Tanzania

Oh my goodness, I have FINALLY done it. here is a write up of my trip to Tanzania!!

On the 11th of May four of us from n:flame flew to Tanzania with a team from Grassroots. I really did not know what to expect from this trip, it was my first time to Africa and taking part in this type of mission work. Grassroots, along with many other initiatives, run a child sponsorship project in a town called Mbeya. They have a team of local staff who work alongside pastors and volunteers in villages across Mbeya. When a child is sponsored they get appropriate education, clothes, a regular nutritional meal and all medical provisions. Grassroots go out to Tanzania every six months, and the main purpose of each visit is to interview new children to enroll in the programme. The local team identifies children and families with the greatest need during the time in-between visits.

We interviewed each child and parent or carer with a translator. I was very nervous to start with, but soon got stuck in. We had a standard list of questions that we ran through with each family. The questions ranged from how far the family had to go for water and what the health of the child was like. It was heartbreaking at times to hear what some families have gone through or what their current situation was. A lot of children have to care for siblings while the adults go to work. It is also very common that Grandparents look after young children due to parents no longer being around; this can either be from illness/fatality or abandonment.

Language was a major issue with the children, but we soon found there were so many things we could do that needed no words. The children we worked with in each of the villages had very little, but they never stopped smiling. They were content with the simplest of things. One of the biggest things that stood out for me was how they enjoyed being taught games by us, which sometimes only involved sticks and the dusty ground. They made use of what they had around them, no demand for the next best and most expensive toy.

We were able to take demonstrations of water cleansing to some of the villages. Such a simple method is able to prevent diseases that can be found in the water. Most families will have to walk to a well or communal tap for water, to have a tap outside your house is a luxury. This water then has to be boiled to make it safe to drink. The short version of the method is that a large water bottle can be half filled, shaken for sixty seconds, filled right to the top and left on black corrugated metal in direct sunlight for twelve hours. The UV rays then kill all the bad bacteria. It is so simple, but will help people to have clean water to drink.

This trip showed me how much we take for granted in the West. I visited a family of seven children with one adult carer. They lived in two bare concrete walled rooms with no toilet or electricity. Two of the older children slept outside at night with no mosquito net. As malaria is most commonly contracted via mosquitoes, this was very dangerous for them. Most families have very little; many of the children we met were in threadbare clothes. They won’t get bored of what they have at home, as it is all they have! Toys are very rare. Children played with anything they can, such as pieces of broken bikes and litter from the street.

The Christians we met had the most amazing faith. They have so little but you didn’t hear them complaining. We learnt very basic Swahili words over our time there, and we were able to pick words out of prayers. The most common words were ‘thank you Jesus’. It made me think about how much I constantly ask for from God.

If the opportunity arose, I would very gladly go back and help with this project again. It was a blessing to be able to get involved with something that opened my eyes to the poverty people on God’s earth face. £3.50 is nothing to most of us; it is part of the cost of a bottle of wine, a McDonalds or a pack of cigarettes. I was amazed with how little money makes such a big difference to people.

I am very thankful to everyone who supported this trip through prayer and also financially.

Sponsorship - http://grassroots.org.uk/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42
Flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/17893410@N03/sets/72157618794961009/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=80406&id=512698717&op=6 (only accessible if you have facebook)

Question

What do you do when you work right next to the loop, but you are left out of it??

Film Review

I was very excited about this film as it contained two of my favourite American comedy actors. Regular blog readers will know that if my writings begin like that, it is not normally good news...I was bitterly disappointed. It was all very predictable and not really as funny as it had been advertised. As usual in these situations, most of the amusing parts had been put in the advert. There were some good cameo parts and a broad cast, but Jack Black's performance disappointed me. Michael Cera's dry humour held the film together and it would have been even more of a disaster without him. It was very 'life of brian' at some parts, and just not very orginal in humour.

Film Review

Another prequel to mess with my brain! I had already seen this film, but it was the day after I got back from Africa, and I snoozed through it! This was no reflection on the film, just my exhaustion!

I really enjoyed this film, I have never really been a big 'trekkie/trekker' (depending on where you stand on the deserved name!), but I was able to understand what was going on. The casting was brilliant, their choice on younger versions of each character was very well done. There were a few cameos that had me stumped and I had to go and look them up once I got home. Hurrah for imdb!

This film could be enjoyed even with no background knowledge of the original TV series at all, but I think it would help. Looking around the cinema screen during both visits there were some keen enthusiasts who were clearly very happy about this new film.

Film Review

I am not big on 'machine' films, but seeing as I had seen the first three of these, I couldn't not see the prequel. Films of this nature always hurt my brain as I struggle to follow the 'knock-on effect' events prequel have!! The effects in this film were amazing, the production has come a long way since the first film in 1984. Who can believe it is 25 years later!!!!

If you are a fan of the series and like action, then go and see this film. A certain someone even makes a CGI appearance!

I am still here!!

It has been far too long since I have blogged! I need to do some writings around my trip to Africa and post it on here. I am going away for a week and hope to get that done at some point then.

Life is so busy for me at the moment and I feel that things are passing me by at times. One of the things I am working hard on is getting together the 18-35 (ish) age group at my church. This '20s-30s' group has been getting together on Sundays for about two years now, but I decided to re-brand it and give it a name so I didn't limit the age! I am quite proud of the flyer I produced, and thought I would put it on here!

Songs to take me back...

Amazing gig and quality time with Amanda. :-)

Inspiring Words

Today I was reading in the bible around Elijah's events at Mount Carmel. I found the story very inspiring and it made me think about how much we trust God and stand up against what we know is wrong.

My notes concluded with a quote that I wanted to share: 'in prayer we wait in the power of God for the evil to dissipate and the good to rise up. By prayer we receive spiritual enabling to overcome the egoism that drives us so relentlessly. Through prayer we develop the longing, the yearning to sink down deeper into the things of God. From prayer we discern the actions we are to take to overcome evil with good.' - R Foster (Streams Of Living Water)

Africa Calling

In less than two weeks I will be in Tanzania! Its all come round very quickly. Here is a photograph of the n:flame bunch I am going with. We are teaming up with Grassroots for the trip. The PDF info sheet for our trip can be read here. I will update my blog when I can, and shall be writing lots about the trip when I return.

Film Review

This is a whole new take on films, embracing the friendship between two men. I used to know someone who was like the main character; so dedicated to his other half that he had no real friends. This film made me laugh out loud quite a bit. It passes my usual test, that I would go to see it again.

Funny!

A few of us were having a youtube exchange of clips during lunchtime today at work. This clip made me laugh so much it hurt! The first time round it is funny, then you realise how scary it must have been for 'them' (as we are in debate as to whether it is a man or a woman!). Then if it was that bad it wouldn't be on youtube, right?! Anyway, enjoy! We all did.

Acts Of Kindness

At my housegroup tonight my friend mentioned something that Absolut Vodka are doing tomorrow in London. Their new advertising campaign is about doing acts of kindness in exchange for items, instead of in exchange for money. More info can be read here. Traders at Berwick Street market are implementing this idea tomorrow, I would love to see how this will work. Our housegroup conversations came out of talking about how we should aim to live as Christians, and how this is played out in the 'secular' world, even if this example is for an ad campaign!

Crazy Achievement

So a decision was made to take the GAP team mountain climbing...I've climbed Snowdon and it was quite a nice experience, so I thought how bad could a different peak be!? Oh how wrong I was. Phil decided to take us up Tryfan! Its a crazy mountain made of of mainly big rocks!! It was one of the toughest things I have done, but I was proud that I had completed it! I did enjoy doing this task as a team and will always remember the trip fondly.

More of my few scenic photos can be found by clicking on the group photo above. Phil R, our awesome walking guide's photos can be viewed here, or if you're on facebook the full albums are on my photo page.

Twitter

So I have only just got the hang of Twitter. It has taken me a while. I discovered lots of messages aimed at me that I didn't know I had and I hope people didn't think I was ignoring them!! I still prefer Facebook, but if you use Twitter you are welcome to follow me and the various updates I attempt to do!

Spring Harvest

Originally uploaded by Roothie

I was given the chance to go to Spring Harvest this year. I'd not been since 2001! It felt very weird to be back there as my life has changed a lot in the past 8 years.

There were around 100 adults from my church and around 30 children. It was nice to be in community with everyone and I got to spend time with some people from church for the first time.

Birthday Celebrations

Originally uploaded by Roothie

Being away for my birthday this year was a little odd, but my friends made it a lovely day. Thanks to Claire I woke up to this hanging in our chalet, which made me smile.

Film Review

I LOVE THIS FILM!! I could watch it over and over again! It is different from the usual Richard Curtis mush (which I also enjoy!), it is very much a feel-good movie. The 60s outfits and choice of music combine for a brilliant film. The mix of actors work really well and I will be first in the queue to buy this on dvd.

(The scenes in London are shot well to help convince the audience it is the 1960's. I got a little excited as they filmed it round the corner from my old office!)

News

I cannot believe that I have not blogged on this yet! I felt called to run in the deacons election at my church. There were six of us running for five places. I really wasn't sure if I would get voted in, but by God's grace I am the current newest and youngest Enfield Baptist Church deacon!

People have been very complimentary and positive about my new role. However I am getting more lunch invites than ever before. This, although nice, does annoy me a little! I have been at the church for fourteen years and played an active role for the past seven years! Why just because I am now a deacon should I be flavour of the month!? That sounds very ungrateful and I don't mean to. My reasons for being a deacon are very much about practical serving, not making a name for myself.

I also feel like being a deacon is a very grown up thing to do. Its a bit scary to have this opportunity really! All I am doing is trusting God in placing me on this leadership team for the next three years.

Creative Expressions

Creative Expressions
Originally uploaded by Roothie

This view made me smile the other day as I was leaving my friends flat. Someone has very carefully made this. Stuff like this always makes me wonder if the gardener got bored, or if someone was making a gesture. I want to know the story behind it!

Car Park Smells

I have just heard a feature on the radio about this. I have never heard of anything so mad! But at least NCP will be using the income from their extortionate rates for something good!

I've been far too busy lately to do anything in the way of blogging or keeping my flat clean! Over the past couple of evenings I have been sorting out all of my unfilled paperwork and general stashes of documents and treasures. Most of my important stuff is now available online, so I do not have pages and pages of phone bill breakdowns etc. I discovered lots of personal things that I had written over the years. One page in particular I took delight in shredding as my life had totally moved on from the place I was in when I wrote those things and I am glad I am in a happier place seven years on! I have a bin liner full of shreds that no longer is old paperwork that I have no need to hang on to. Having a sort out of things, in my opinion, is always good and refreshing for the soul!

Horne & Corden YPC

The sketch show that I went to see back in November is being shown on BBC3 at the moment. It is getting mixed reviews, mainly bad, but I am enjoying it. The YPC (young peoples church) sketches that I mentioned in my blog a while ago have gone to air, even though I read an article indicating that the BBC had banned them. Anyway, please watch them if you wish. I find them funny, some people may be offended. Each to their own...

It makes me wonder where non-christians get these 'stereotypes' from. Are they stereotypes at all? How do non-christians view church services, language/jargon and actions?

Film Review

This was an odd choice for me, and to be honest if Horne & Corden weren't in it I don't think I would have gone to see it! It was a very silly film, but with funniness throughout. I know it has received some bad reviews, but I enjoyed it. There is an open narrative at the end, which could leave room for a sequel, but I hope they stick to releasing just this one film.

Film Review

This afternoon I went to the cinema with two of my GAP team. (I love my job sometimes!) We chose to go and see a 'chick flick'. I didn't actually know what this film was going to be about, but it was quite endearing! It is a nice film, and probably a weepy if you're in to that whole crying at the cinema thing!

When searching for the film poster image I found another image tht appeared on my list of searches! I couldn't resist posting it and I hope that I do not offend anyone or spoil the plot. (if I do, then tough really!!)

Films Reviews

My unlimited card had a workout today! I saw four films in 11 hours! My kind of fun during an afternoon off and a free evening. I shall be brief about each one!

Lovely film. Long in length, but I personally did not notice. Its a head wreck to try and understand the cross over of ages, but it is a good story.

Missed the first 30 minutes due to an over lap (and we were filling time!), but it was not difficult to work out what had happened. It was predictable mush, but I liked it!!

This film was good. The costumes and locations were amazing.

I was very unsure about this film as I do not like violence, and avoid 18 films usually. But I did enjoy this. It is the first film I have seen from the comic genre and I liked it. I did avoid looking at the screen during the violent bits though!

Big Baby Congrats...

Amanda finally popped her out! Congratulations to Amanda & Neil, and of course Daniel on the arrival of Sophia.

Chocolate Treat

A voucher can be downloaded here for a free bar of Divine chocolate at any Body Shop branch. Its yummy and its ethical.

Powerful Words

Firstly, I checked with my friend James that I was allowed to post lyrics from the album cover and spent time scanning in the words, only to find out that lyrics can be found here!! (so I didn't post the image in a large size as its easier to read on their website!!)

Anyway, I was listening to my itunes on shuffle last night and this tune from the 29th Chapter came on. I know their songs fairly well, but I hadn't heard this tune for a while. The lyrics are so powerful and very challenging.

TV Christians

I've been meaning to blog on this for ages...

It is fair to say that Christians on TV get a raw deal! Flying the flag for us are the likes of Dot Cotton (now Branning) and Harold Bishop, with numerous numbers of cults making the storylines in most soaps. Lucas in Eastenders (my fav soap!!) had his first scene set in his Church, pretty standard Pentecostal stuff. His character was openly Christian, and he was trying to prove to the mother of his daughter that he had changed from his past. All this is fine. The church leader started to pursue Denise again and they eventually got back together once she realised he had changed due to God. Fair do's....

However, Denise gave him a rough time and mocked him for his faith. I personally would not want to be with someone like that. He wanted to be with her no matter what, but in my opinion was compromising his beliefs. He also now lives with her, even though he has said there will be no sex before marriage. Hmmmm...

True to form in soapland this Christian character is unravelling. A man who was feeding the homeless last week has since been revealed to have had an affair and in tonight's episode was blackmailing to cover up his deceit! I know none of us are perfect, but I really wish that one day a christian was portrayed in a more regular light, if there is such a thing!

Rubbish Love?

Originally uploaded by Roothie

My little garden is part of the 'waste area' of the shop I live above. When I was out there today I found this photo opportunity and took it on my phone. Clearly the recipient of the balloons got bored after a week!!

Babywatch Week

This week I have been living in the Roper House, as Neil was away completing his final week at Cliff College. I was helping Amanda with Daniel, and much to my fear being on hand if baby girl R was to arrive early! It has been a fun week, if not tiring! I got an insight to what living with a small child is really like!! Here are a few pictures from the week. They include such events as making snow cakes, playing drums, big jumping, lunch out, shopping and playing in the park.

Funny Friends

I was sent this to my phone last night with the caption "Look what you missed today!" ...Ha ha!?

All About Me Email

Its one of those silly forward things, but today I took the time to fill it in and sent it on to some of my friends.

1.What is your occupation right now?
Office manager and GAP year co-ordinator.

2.What color are your socks right now?
White with silver stars (from Amy for my birthday last year!)

3.What are you listening to right now?
Radio 1

4.What was the last thing that you ate?
Cinnamon swirl in Starbucks

5.Can you drive a stick shift?
A car with gears, yes!

6.Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Kathy Goddard

7.Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yes, he’s fab!

8.How old are you today?
27

9.What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Rugby!! ;-)

10.What is your favorite drink?
Malibu & diet coke

11.Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yup

12.Favorite food?
Cheese!

13.What is the last movie you watched?
Doubt, with Dan

14.Favorite day of the year?
Christmas day

15.How do you vent anger?
Rage!

16.What was your favorite toy as a child?
My little pony

17.What is your favorite season?
All of them for different reasons!

18.Cherries or Blueberries?
Glacier cherries!

19.Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
Yes please!

20.Who is the most likely to respond?
Sammy

21.Who is least likely to respond?
Steve

22.Living arrangements?
Me myself and I (and the pet fish!)

23.When was the last time you cried?
Hmmmm, I actually don’t know. Prob sat eve with happiness

24.What is on the floor of your closet?
Shoe boxes and towels

25.Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?
Rod

26.What did you do last night?
Had dinner at the Roper ‘in laws’! Then put Daniel to bed, then hung out with Amanda.

27.What are you most afraid of?
Not meeting my prince

28.Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Cheese

29.Favorite dog breed?
Don’t have one.

30.Favorite day of the week?
Umm, Friday or Saturday

31.How many provinces have you lived in?
(so American!) 2 counties!

32.Diamonds or pearls?
Both, I’m not fussy!

33.What is your favorite flower?
Roses and gerberas.

Film Review

Me and my friend Dan really wanted to see this film before it left cinemas. It had received some Bafta nominations last week and I know it has upcoming Oscar nominations too.

Unfortunately...I was very tired and did the sleepy head-bobbing, heavy eyelids thing through some of the film! So it didn't make a lot of sense! I was quite disappointed in myself for not being able to stay awake! Meryl Streep played her role brilliantly, she was very scary and I was glad that I didn't ever have a school teacher like her!

(not my best film review I know, but what else can I say?!) A proper review can be read here!!

Grace

noun, verb, graced, grac⋅ing.

–noun

Theology.
a. the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.
b. the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.
c. a virtue or excellence of divine origin: the Christian graces.
d. Also called state of grace. the condition of being in God's favor or one of the elect.

I am a bear of very little brain and I rarely apply things to create illustrations. However I was walking to the bakers yesterday to buy my friend 'S' a cake. It was going to be in the amazing form of a belgian bun. I personally love these and I know that another friend of mine 'D' does also. However I immediately thought "I'm not going to buy 'D' a bun as they would never buy one for me"!! I laughed to myself as it struck me/God spoke to me that this was how Grace works. God continually gives us good things, even though we always fall short and never give enough back to Him and/or appreciate it.

From Michelle...

Its nice to see what one of my American GAP Year team thinks of me!

Film Review

I had been looking forward to seeing this film ever since I saw the trailer. Even though I knew nothing previously of the Watergate scandal surrounding Nixon.

I did enjoy the film. (Even though one of my friends didn't think it was quite 'my thing'! Rude! Not sure what he quite meant by that!)

When I look at Michael Sheen all I can see is him as Tony Blair! But I was able to watch him in this as a very convincing David Frost. The fact that they both presented a Bafta this week was very amusing.

If you like political dramas then this is a film that I would recommend seeing. It was shot very well and the recreation of the 1970s outfits was very convincing.