Furlough

Alexandra from "The Linger and Die". So called presumably because if you lingered on this spot too long you could be drowned by a flood.

Today was my first day at work after a weeks holiday. It's been kind of a watershed week. We decided to go to Alexandra for most of it and catch up with friends and surroundings that we left behind 2 or more years ago to enter The Salvation Army Training College. We had been back only once for a quick trip so it was time to relax and spend time.

The picture above doesn't do Alexandra justice and being winter it didn't look a bit like that blue sky and brown grass. It was mostly grey skies and below zero temperatures with a bit of rain thrown in and snow on the surrounding hills.
Nevertheless it was great and we enjoyed our stay with friends.
I preached at my old Corps on the Sunday about Mephibosheth grandson of the King who lived a crippled life in poverty and through David found a love that seeks, elevates and is secure. The Corps people there are my personal fan club so I couldn't fail but I do hope they heard the message as it's a great story.

We had a trip through to Wanaka for a haircut. Cause that's what you do when your on holiday you travel an hour there and an hour back with the threat of snow over you just for a haircut.

I feel much better for the break even if it was packed to the hilt with friends and family and not a minute to spare. I've done a lot of thinking and a lot of off loading and I think I am understanding a lot more the way I've got to go in terms of work and calling and who I am and who God is - yes things are back in perspective like they never have been before.
Today was my first day back at work and for the 3rd time this winter I had to wait for an hour or so before I could get out of the driveway because of ice or snow. This time it wasn't that the tyres wouldn't grip - I actually had no control for a full 2 seconds because of ice. Just might have to leave the car at the top of the hill and walk up to it every morning to avoid the excitement.

Snow

As promised by all who have previously lived on the hill in Halfway Bush Dunedin, we are snowed in. This is the second snow fall already this winter but much deeper and longer lasting than the first.

Red Letter Christians

This is a very inspiring interview with Tony Campolo. I know New Zealand doesn't have the same kind of judgementalism that we hear of in America - but it could happen here too. If we're not careful christianity could become about "thou shalt not" instead of as Jesus taught living and sharing with sinners and being salt and light in a fallen world.

http://www.cbc.ca/thehour/video.php?id=1401

Step Ahead Bowling

I spent this morning at Ten Pin Bowling with the EPlus Step Ahead team. Samantha, Aiden and Millie thought it was a good idea to give the clown a very good checking out.

Slave to Time

I have decided ... time is not going to control me anymore. I have already started in fact. Only yesterday I announced at work that I wouldn't be available in the afternoon as I had some preparation to do. This had to happen I'm not enjoying always being behind and on the back foot. One day after work I was still preparing for recovery church 1 hour before. So this is what I'm going to do is be very strict with my planning ahead and also make sure time is allowed for family and fresh air and exercise. There we go - now could someone please hold me accountable!

At last the photo works

Die and Let Live 007

This was my first Easter Camp and surprise, surprise I really did enjoy it. Even Teri-Anne enjoyed it so it must have been ok. It was a good time of getting to know each other better and great to see some old familiar faces from Alexandra again - Kay, Ash, Sabian and Sam. The option of rice day was taken up by a number of us - in return for us not eating the normal meals and just a bowl of rice at each meal, the cost of our normal meal was collected and donated to the people who live on the dump in Tonga. I was resigned to rice for the day but soon learnt from more seasoned campers that it wasn't apparently breaking the rules to accept chocolate or other goodies offered to you from other people as even very poor people get things offered to them. The die and let live theme of the camp was memorable as was the teaching from Malcolm Irwin who instilled in us the takeaway line - sexy carrots.