Just a thought.
Over the past few weeks, Chris and I have been stirred again about social action not being just a good thing, but part of our Biblical mandate. Reading Isaiah 58 is a constant challenge. But different things have brought the matter to my attention. The thrift store at Soul Sista (see previous post), such a simple and easy way to make a difference. The youth retreat Chris led at Camp Pinerock in Prescott we met a fabulous couple (Jason and Esther) who we chatted to lots over the weekend about different things going on in the world, different issues. Then I watched The Constant Gardener a really powerful film looking at corruption amongst big pharmaceuticals and goverments at the expense of people in need in Kenya. I kept wanting to see Christians involved in the plot somehow, campaigning, fighting on behalf of the exploited and oppressed (I got quite involved in this film!) but then got to thinking maybe it didn't occur put Christians in there....So it got me thinking... that's all. Maybe I need to open my eyes a bit more, read a bit more, watch a bit more, think a bit more. Do a bit more.Just a thought.
Something For The Weekend
A couple of weeks ago I went to England for the weekend, to speak at a conference called Soul Sista. It was weird leaving Tia and Chris at the airport, I cried as I walked away. I was leaving a part of me behind and I didn't like it.
Eventually I began to relax. I watched 5 films on those two flights. I haven't been to the cinema since Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, so 5 was like a special treat!
When I got to the UK (bally freezing by the way) I ate all my favourite English stuff: chips (not fries, CHIPS) and a battered sausage. Ali took me for a curry, and we had tikka masalas. I slept for two nights without interruptions.
The Conference was a one day thing, 600 teenage girls gathered together to meet with God. How I wish I'd had that sort of thing growing up!!! And Soul Survivor are amazing at what they do. There was a pamper area (complete with hand and foot massages) served by a team of great listeners if the girls needed to talk and pray. A thrift store where all the girls were invited to bring their stuff, and buy other people's - and all the money went to Compassion. There was a cafe with an acoustic feel.
The talks were a lot of fun and went really well. It was great doing that kind of stuff again, comfortable and natural, even though its been awhile.
Soon it was time to go home. When I got into the car and saw Chris and Tia it was like being complete again, home again. And the weekend was like a little refreshing gift, which made me appreciate all the different aspects of our lives that much more.
And in the end - it was all so quick, I didn't even get jet lag!
Thirty - two
Life has been rather hectic of late, so I kept forgetting it was my birthday, which is so unlike me that its tantamount to having a personality transplant. Thankfully I was able to pull it back in time to get the cards and presents and stuff. With family and friends spanning the globe, birthdays are now a naturally drawn out affair, which is no bad thing. You never know when things will arrive. My first card (from Sarah my sister in law) was two weeks early. Others from people like Zan (who always sends quite a special kind of card...) were little prompts reminding me that the big day (what does that phrase mean anyway? The day before Tia was born when I weighed A LOT and felt like a heifer, now that, my friends, was a BIG day) was around the corner. Then there was a flurry of cards and e-cards and even phonecalls on the day itself. In the evening the gang had a social - actually a belated baby shower for a few friends (Note to UK girls - get into the baby shower thing. Whilst not wishing to sound mercenary, you can do really well out of them, clothe your kid for years!). But it was also a little bit of a birthday party too! Karyn sorted out the perfect cake and everything. Carrot cake. Nuff said. Life is good. It throws you the odd curve ball now and then to keep you on your toes, but it would be dull if it didn't. And as for being a year older and all that, I love it. In fact, I love it so much I've been calling myself 32 for about 6 months now. Its not one of those official coming of age years, but it still feels it somehow. Who knows, maybe I've grown up or something.
