Anna and the King.
Anna came to the ball prepared. She was beautiful in a striking gown that shimmered like starlight. She spent hours getting herself ready - her hair, her dress, her heart. As they reach the dance floor, Anna expresses her fear of dancing with the King before the eyes of others. "We wouldn't want to end up in a heap," she says. His answer to her questioning heart? "I am King, I will lead."
~ Excerpt from 'Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul' by John and Stasi Eldredge.
~ Excerpt from 'Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul' by John and Stasi Eldredge.
Christianity is a revelation
This week at uni someone asked me if my whole life is about church. I was taken but surprise a bit and replied 'yeah.', what I really should of said was 'No.' No my life isn't all about church, my life is all about God.
Don't get me wrong here I'm not saying that church isn't an important part to being a christian, it is, but I don't go to church for the sake of going to church - I go to church to have an encounter with God, to meet with others and be encouraged. Its all about God and having a real relationship with Him, where each day I know I am walking my life out with Him, just like a friend.
I love this picture I found off Janice's Friendster page. Its so true, the Truth has been revealed to me and I refuse to deny it. I can't deny that God is not real, every week I have seen lives change for the better, I'm seeing people get healed from depression and friends of mine overcome drug addiction! All of this because they opened their heart to God and He moved in their lives. And not only in other peoples lives can I see Him working, but above all else in my own life. I can't deny the Truth, the Truth that God sent His only Son Jesus to die for me and you, and through His forgiveness and mercy I am changed.
Its weird, now I am thinking about it. How can I be so different to who I used to be from my old life to now? How is that possible that I can restored through all my hurt and unforgiveness I have experienced over my life can be healed and now live the blessed life that I do, if it wasn't for God?
Before I knew God, and I mean REALLY knew God, not just know about him (or what I thought He was) I never thought I needed God. But I thought "Well, God if you're real show yourself to me" and I walked my faith out. I sort of half heartedly thought there wouldn't be any difference, but how I was wrong. As I kept learning about God, kept going to church, started getting hungry for God, He began to reveal to me how much more there was on the other side! Jesus came to give us life, a huge life, an abundant life! I'm not here to live a small, quiet life, in God I am called to live a passionate, full and abundant life that honors God in everything that I do! It was as if blindfolds off my eyes were opened.
The truth is without God, yeah I could have a nice life, maybe even a good life, but without God in the center of it I will never have an awesome life where every morning I wake up and know I have a purpose and destiny in my heart. Where every day I know I have God's hand on my life, that I have value and He's working everything together for me. Without God one can reach maybe only 80% of their potential but with God they'll reach 100% of their potential.
I'm not saying that I'm there. I'll never be there till the day I go to heaven, none of us will ever be. But as I keep walking my faith out with Jesus by my side I know that He will keep changing me and moulding me into something more beautiful. This isn't a sprint, this is a marathon, a journey where each day I'm just walking it out.
Christianity is a revelation. Its not something that I'm trying to do, its not something I have to do, its a revelation of the Love and Grace of God. I had that revelation two years ago, I opened my heart to His love, grace and forgiveness and because of that I am changed forever.
To be a Woman...
I love being a woman. I love everything there is about being feminine and girly. I love how I am made in God's image and am a reflection of His heart. To be romanced, to be needed and play an irreplaceable role, to have a longing to be beautiful; this is the heart of a woman and the feminine glory that reflects the Heart of God.
I have to admit I never have always felt like this, thought as a little girl I had these dreams, growing up I wished I was born a boy. To be a girl seemed to be the shorter end of the stick. As a girl I was told there was many things I couldn't do. As I got older things didn't get much better and I developed feministic views and attitudes.
Wow, even just thinking about it now I can't believe the 180 degree turn my whole attitude has taken. God has changed my heart so much over the past two years I have walked closely with Him. His love is truely redeeming and transforming as I began to see myself the way He sees me: valuable, precious, His daughter and Princess.
Everyday as I keep walking this life out with God I'm realising more and more what it means to be a woman, and what the desires and dreams I feel in my heart are telling me of the life God has created for me to live.
To be a Princess...
"She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls" ~ Proverbs 31:10
Drink Coke Zero...
Just looking at some of the photos Ruth took and it just occured to me how much we look like a coke ad...
Aussie Rules Football!!
Tonight I went to my FIRST AFL game with Ruth, Carrie, Marisca, and Prue. I have to admit I am not a big fan of football, much less aussie rules football, but I have to say I had a really fun night!
We went to see the Fremantle Dockers Vs. Adelaide Crows game at Subiaco Oval, and boy the atmosphere is so exciting that even if you're not into it you can't help but get swept up in the excitment! We even dressed up in Dockers colours (red, white, purple and green) and got our faces painted - now thats pretty hardcore considering I didn't even like football! I have to say that now I understand the game alot better it is alot more enjoyable!
We went to see the Fremantle Dockers Vs. Adelaide Crows game at Subiaco Oval, and boy the atmosphere is so exciting that even if you're not into it you can't help but get swept up in the excitment! We even dressed up in Dockers colours (red, white, purple and green) and got our faces painted - now thats pretty hardcore considering I didn't even like football! I have to say that now I understand the game alot better it is alot more enjoyable!
Carry the wood
My heart is so full of excitement right now. I just got back from a leaders meeting where Pastor Danny Guglielmucci from Edge Church spoke tonight.
Firstly, how is it that my church is getting all of these awesome speakers?! Just this past month we have had Pastor Magnus Pearson from Sweden, Pastor Zhenya from Hillsong Ukraine and tonight Pastor Danny Guglielmucci who leads a church of about 5000 people in South Australia!! I was sitting in the car ride home with Ruth and I was just so in awe of God in what He is doing right now. To be a part of something that is changing peoples lives, to know that God is moving powerfully - it is so crazy!!
Pastor Danny had a word for our church, pretty much the same word that many of the other visiting pastors had prophesied - that now is the time of acceleration and multiplication! I was is such awe at what God is doing in South Australia I just sat there the whole night with my mouth hanging open. To even have the prime minister John Howard want to go to Edge Church just because he wanted to visit - thats huge!
My God is a huge God and is capable of anything! Today as they were filming my testimony for tomorow nights Friends and Family night service it just hit me about how far God has brought me. I'm not the same insecure and shy person I was two years ago thats for sure! To see the abundance He has added to my life! Everyday I wake up and I know I am saved, I know I have purpose and destiny with a dream in my heart! Everyday as I keep walking my faith out its exciting and challenging!
Tonight at the leaders meeting it was such a encouragement for me. Just like Abraham and Issac in the bible, I am here to 'carry the wood' that is, the vision of the church. I am willing and committed to tie myself down to that vision and bear the burden. I am here to start on the journey of the vision and end on the vision. To have a sense of calling versus a choice; this is my calling, my purpose, my destiny in God.
This is beyond anything my heart can phantom right now, all I know is that theres no turning back. Its just a forward momentum and I'm so excited to see what the days before me will entail as I 'carry the wood'!
Firstly, how is it that my church is getting all of these awesome speakers?! Just this past month we have had Pastor Magnus Pearson from Sweden, Pastor Zhenya from Hillsong Ukraine and tonight Pastor Danny Guglielmucci who leads a church of about 5000 people in South Australia!! I was sitting in the car ride home with Ruth and I was just so in awe of God in what He is doing right now. To be a part of something that is changing peoples lives, to know that God is moving powerfully - it is so crazy!!
Pastor Danny had a word for our church, pretty much the same word that many of the other visiting pastors had prophesied - that now is the time of acceleration and multiplication! I was is such awe at what God is doing in South Australia I just sat there the whole night with my mouth hanging open. To even have the prime minister John Howard want to go to Edge Church just because he wanted to visit - thats huge!
My God is a huge God and is capable of anything! Today as they were filming my testimony for tomorow nights Friends and Family night service it just hit me about how far God has brought me. I'm not the same insecure and shy person I was two years ago thats for sure! To see the abundance He has added to my life! Everyday I wake up and I know I am saved, I know I have purpose and destiny with a dream in my heart! Everyday as I keep walking my faith out its exciting and challenging!
Tonight at the leaders meeting it was such a encouragement for me. Just like Abraham and Issac in the bible, I am here to 'carry the wood' that is, the vision of the church. I am willing and committed to tie myself down to that vision and bear the burden. I am here to start on the journey of the vision and end on the vision. To have a sense of calling versus a choice; this is my calling, my purpose, my destiny in God.
This is beyond anything my heart can phantom right now, all I know is that theres no turning back. Its just a forward momentum and I'm so excited to see what the days before me will entail as I 'carry the wood'!
Easter weekend
Just wanted to share with you some snaps from Ruths camera from over the weekend :)
It was so nice to be invited to Elizabeths 22nd birthday and experience a party african style! Boy can those guys party!
Happy brithday Elizabeth
Those africans know how to party!
Me, Prue and Carrie
They also know how to dance!
Me, Carrie, Ruth and Prue
Mmmm BBQ!
Us girls :)
It was such a good night! They hired out pool tables, air hockey and smoke machines all in the back of an art gallery! Most of the 18+ youth from church came and their +1's (bring a friend)- was such a well organised night!
Party time!
Courtney on the decks.
Carrie and I
Carrie, Ruth and I
Air Hockey!
Boys will be boys... Doing the 'Human Helicopter'(!)
Dancing till 2am!
Kristy and I
Saturday night: Elizabeth's 22nd Birthday
It was so nice to be invited to Elizabeths 22nd birthday and experience a party african style! Boy can those guys party!
Sunday Night: Whoppo and Janes 24th +1 birthday party
It was such a good night! They hired out pool tables, air hockey and smoke machines all in the back of an art gallery! Most of the 18+ youth from church came and their +1's (bring a friend)- was such a well organised night!
Procrastination: The award goes to...
If there was a Worlds Biggest Procrastinator Award I think I would win it hands down. Its almost 5am and I am still awake and bright eyed doing my media lesson plan assignment on codes and conventions (still.) in what meant to be a productive night to complete this darn thing.
Well six hours ago that was my intent, and six hours later I've managed to do about thirty mins worth of work. Not to say I haven't been totally unproductive, in the last five and a half hours I have managed to update my Friendster profile, and establish a MSN space and a MySpace.com page. All is not lost, I have done something at least... :/
I don't know what it is, but I've been feeling so unmotivated lately. Just can't be bothered doing this lesson plan. I just want to nap or veg. Maybe its because I've been trying to do this for the past three weeks and still haven't been able to finish it, or maybe its because the thought of having to look for resources just seems like such a huge tedious task. Whatever it is, I'm going to have to get my act together.
Well I'm starting to feel tired now, maybe I should go to bed... it is after all, 5am. I'll try and continue more with this assignment tomorow, that is if I don't find something else better to do...
Well six hours ago that was my intent, and six hours later I've managed to do about thirty mins worth of work. Not to say I haven't been totally unproductive, in the last five and a half hours I have managed to update my Friendster profile, and establish a MSN space and a MySpace.com page. All is not lost, I have done something at least... :/
I don't know what it is, but I've been feeling so unmotivated lately. Just can't be bothered doing this lesson plan. I just want to nap or veg. Maybe its because I've been trying to do this for the past three weeks and still haven't been able to finish it, or maybe its because the thought of having to look for resources just seems like such a huge tedious task. Whatever it is, I'm going to have to get my act together.
Well I'm starting to feel tired now, maybe I should go to bed... it is after all, 5am. I'll try and continue more with this assignment tomorow, that is if I don't find something else better to do...
Sunset Coast CLC - my home.
I love my church. I am so grateful and feel so blessed to be part of a church that is really reaching the community and embodies the spirit that Jesus is all about: loving people in every sense of the word. There is no place like home, and Sunset Coast CLC is truly my spiritual home like no other. I totally love my church!
I thank God so much for the measures He has taken to bring me there, to give me a life so abundant. To have the friendships I have, to know my purpose and destiny in God, to be the best person I can be in Him, to be under an awesome leadership team, to just know I am protected under their oversight and to know I am absolutely loved and valued by God.
My church home is what has encouraged me to never want to live a half hearted life for Him, to be passionate for Him and love what He loves. To be above reproach, uncompromised, serving and doing everything for His Glory. This is the life we are called to lead, this is the life that leads to every great opportunity God has for our lives.
Passionate, committed and serving.
I don't want anything less than the abundant life God has destined for me, where everyday there is less of me and more of Him.
I thank God so much for the measures He has taken to bring me there, to give me a life so abundant. To have the friendships I have, to know my purpose and destiny in God, to be the best person I can be in Him, to be under an awesome leadership team, to just know I am protected under their oversight and to know I am absolutely loved and valued by God.
My church home is what has encouraged me to never want to live a half hearted life for Him, to be passionate for Him and love what He loves. To be above reproach, uncompromised, serving and doing everything for His Glory. This is the life we are called to lead, this is the life that leads to every great opportunity God has for our lives.
Passionate, committed and serving.
I don't want anything less than the abundant life God has destined for me, where everyday there is less of me and more of Him.
My first prac is over!
Well my first prac is finally over. I have to admit there is a sense of relief because it was tiring and I'm looking forward to the semester break to just plod along for a bit and relax. But I'm going to miss the students (I'm hesitant to call them 'kids' because they are in fact 'young adults') because its going to be another two months till I see them again. It was such a great experience, I can't wait to go back.
Yesterday I was assessed by my supervisor first period for one of my year 12 classes. It went really well!! I still haven't actually seen a teacher teach a classroom, just because its that time in the term when the students are working on their productions work. So I've had no role model to emulate but what I'm doing seems to be okay since I haven't had too many complaints. My supervior gave me some really good constructive feedback and she said I did a great job so I'm pretty stoked considering I had nothing to go by!
I've learnt so much about myself being in being a teacher on this first prac. It has pushed me to be more assertive and confidant in who I am, (whereas usually I wonder that when I speak do people even listen or acknowledge!) yet also learning to balance that with love, care and enthusiam. I really can't get over how great this prac has been, I feel so blessed!
The reality of it all really hit my the other night. The fact that I am in a place of influence, where minds are getting shaped and changed. When I spoke about Paris Hilton in my class I also talked about the values she represents and what messages she is sending girls. I said to them we have to be critical when viewing media, because for a young girl to be watching Paris Hilton in the media what is that telling her? That if she uses her body as an sex object, makes a sex tape, partys hard and dresses inappropriately that thats the way she will find love and be noticed? It was interesting to see the expressions on their faces and to see them thinking about it.
When I look at the students in my class I can see the great future, purpose and destiny they could have in God. If only they knew how much potential they have inside of them and how much they need Jesus in their life. If they only knew! It really breaks my heart when I think about this, anything less than what God has to offer them is a rip off. I'm really praying for God to use me in this area, that though I may not be able to speak to them directly about it but I hope that the life I lead is an example to them that there is so much more.
Ps Zhenya gave me a revelation about the difference between calling and destiny. My calling is to go out and spread the Word of God, but as each day is passing He is showing me more and more what my destiny is. To be a teacher, and right now, I can't think of anything more fulfilling.
Yesterday I was assessed by my supervisor first period for one of my year 12 classes. It went really well!! I still haven't actually seen a teacher teach a classroom, just because its that time in the term when the students are working on their productions work. So I've had no role model to emulate but what I'm doing seems to be okay since I haven't had too many complaints. My supervior gave me some really good constructive feedback and she said I did a great job so I'm pretty stoked considering I had nothing to go by!
I've learnt so much about myself being in being a teacher on this first prac. It has pushed me to be more assertive and confidant in who I am, (whereas usually I wonder that when I speak do people even listen or acknowledge!) yet also learning to balance that with love, care and enthusiam. I really can't get over how great this prac has been, I feel so blessed!
The reality of it all really hit my the other night. The fact that I am in a place of influence, where minds are getting shaped and changed. When I spoke about Paris Hilton in my class I also talked about the values she represents and what messages she is sending girls. I said to them we have to be critical when viewing media, because for a young girl to be watching Paris Hilton in the media what is that telling her? That if she uses her body as an sex object, makes a sex tape, partys hard and dresses inappropriately that thats the way she will find love and be noticed? It was interesting to see the expressions on their faces and to see them thinking about it.
When I look at the students in my class I can see the great future, purpose and destiny they could have in God. If only they knew how much potential they have inside of them and how much they need Jesus in their life. If they only knew! It really breaks my heart when I think about this, anything less than what God has to offer them is a rip off. I'm really praying for God to use me in this area, that though I may not be able to speak to them directly about it but I hope that the life I lead is an example to them that there is so much more.
Ps Zhenya gave me a revelation about the difference between calling and destiny. My calling is to go out and spread the Word of God, but as each day is passing He is showing me more and more what my destiny is. To be a teacher, and right now, I can't think of anything more fulfilling.
Use me.
Use me God, use me that I may be a reflection of You and Your love where ever I go. I offer myself completely to You, let me be your light.
My heart is breaking. People need to know there is an answer. People need to know that there is a God that is absolutely in love with them, a God that is totally for them.
In my life God, be lifted high.
My heart is breaking. People need to know there is an answer. People need to know that there is a God that is absolutely in love with them, a God that is totally for them.
In my life God, be lifted high.
Week one of prac is over - hello week two!
Today is Monday and after a week of prac I have to say being a teaching is even more a confirmation in my heart that this is what I want to do. I've loved every moment of it, it has been such a great experience for me! I've been so blessed to have the mentor teacher I have - Hes even given me his Level 3 teacher application to look at for when I want to apply for mine! A level 3 teacher means you basically are recognised as a great teacher and you get paid the same amount as a deputy principal.
Its strange being in an authorative role as a teacher, when previously all I've known is to be a friend to girls that age. But I'm slowly learning to balance friendliness with firmness, as hard as it is right now. I'm always so tempted to just chat to the students about what they are into, who they are, how their weekends went when I really need to be making sure they are working on task.
Its also interesting to notice that they talk to me differently as a teacher "Miss Tsang" rather than just me, Anna. Some talk monotone and some act 'like, whatever.' to me because they see me as a teacher and not as another individual. I think I surprise them sometimes when I don't act as 'teacher-like' as they expect me to - I actually laugh and smile. It really amuses me. The students in my class are so great, I think they are the bee's knees :)
Right now I am extremely tired... I'm pretty much running on 3 hours sleep because I was up till 1:30am and then up at 4:30am planning a lesson for first period today. It went all good, but my lack of sleep is catching up with me! I'm getting assessed tomorow, I can't wait to get it over with!
I'm teaching a lesson on representation and doing a case study on Paris Hilton. Gosh if I have to see another photo of Paris Hilton after this I'm going to go insane!! I chose to use her for my case study because it was so easy to do but makes me so frustrated seeing they way she portrays her self in the media, there is so much more to life than what she knows... I totally felt compelled to pray for her the other night!
Anyways I better get some rest...soo tired, but happy!!
Its strange being in an authorative role as a teacher, when previously all I've known is to be a friend to girls that age. But I'm slowly learning to balance friendliness with firmness, as hard as it is right now. I'm always so tempted to just chat to the students about what they are into, who they are, how their weekends went when I really need to be making sure they are working on task.
Its also interesting to notice that they talk to me differently as a teacher "Miss Tsang" rather than just me, Anna. Some talk monotone and some act 'like, whatever.' to me because they see me as a teacher and not as another individual. I think I surprise them sometimes when I don't act as 'teacher-like' as they expect me to - I actually laugh and smile. It really amuses me. The students in my class are so great, I think they are the bee's knees :)
Right now I am extremely tired... I'm pretty much running on 3 hours sleep because I was up till 1:30am and then up at 4:30am planning a lesson for first period today. It went all good, but my lack of sleep is catching up with me! I'm getting assessed tomorow, I can't wait to get it over with!
I'm teaching a lesson on representation and doing a case study on Paris Hilton. Gosh if I have to see another photo of Paris Hilton after this I'm going to go insane!! I chose to use her for my case study because it was so easy to do but makes me so frustrated seeing they way she portrays her self in the media, there is so much more to life than what she knows... I totally felt compelled to pray for her the other night!
Anyways I better get some rest...soo tired, but happy!!
Day one is over!
Today is day two of teachers prac. Yay! Day one was so good! Totally loved it, Mindarie Senior College is such a great school, especially for being a public school! And what public school has ocean views??
Most of the students are doing their production in media right now, so thats filming, editing and looking for resources. So I've mainly been helping my mentor teacher facilitate the class, seeing what the students are doing and helping if they need it. Their assignments are so interesting, and I love just talking to them about what they are working on and asking how they came up with the idea. People are so interesting, I just love it! Its great just being there and trying to understand the highschool culture. Just being there kind of makes me wish I was back in high school, as weird as it sounds but I just loved it!
I'm teaching a short lesson on Thursday about representation in the media, a bit nervous but excited. I better go, got a double period with a year 12 class!
Most of the students are doing their production in media right now, so thats filming, editing and looking for resources. So I've mainly been helping my mentor teacher facilitate the class, seeing what the students are doing and helping if they need it. Their assignments are so interesting, and I love just talking to them about what they are working on and asking how they came up with the idea. People are so interesting, I just love it! Its great just being there and trying to understand the highschool culture. Just being there kind of makes me wish I was back in high school, as weird as it sounds but I just loved it!
I'm teaching a short lesson on Thursday about representation in the media, a bit nervous but excited. I better go, got a double period with a year 12 class!
27 pages of blood, sweat and tears... (ok, not quite.)
Ahh. I wish I could savor this moment right now...I just finished my 27 page position statement on teaching, and I'm sitting here cradling it like my baby.
Tonight it took me about 4 hours to write the last three paragraphs, on average (I've timed it) and its taken me about an hour to just to write one, but mind you thats including looking for references and the such.
I don't know if I am just slow or if what I am really doing is really that much work. I was the same when I was doing Digital Media, only I never had to write a 27 page essay or feel like I really had to use my brain cells that much. It feels so good to finish something (nevermind the other assignments I have to start, I'm only going to focus on this one now!), and I have to admit, if the purpose of this assignment was to make me think about where I stand in the realm of teaching - it certainly has done that.
After pouring and researching over every teacher attribute I think I can pretty well say where are the points I need to work on to be successful and effective at this. Also its really made me think about what I think teaching is about and the magnitude of it. To me its about the rising up of future generations, its an HUGE task! But enough about that, I think my brain is about to call it quits at the moment... I'm just so happy I finished it! I'm feeling all 'referenced' out and its taken me about 40 hours to complete but I have got there!
There are a few things that have been running through my mind over the past week but I'll reveal those a bit later down the track, but GUESS WHAT? I got my certificate of completion for my degree in the mail yesterday!! Its official, I am Anna BSc (Digital Media) and on my way to be Anna BSc Dip Ed :)
Tonight it took me about 4 hours to write the last three paragraphs, on average (I've timed it) and its taken me about an hour to just to write one, but mind you thats including looking for references and the such.
I don't know if I am just slow or if what I am really doing is really that much work. I was the same when I was doing Digital Media, only I never had to write a 27 page essay or feel like I really had to use my brain cells that much. It feels so good to finish something (nevermind the other assignments I have to start, I'm only going to focus on this one now!), and I have to admit, if the purpose of this assignment was to make me think about where I stand in the realm of teaching - it certainly has done that.
After pouring and researching over every teacher attribute I think I can pretty well say where are the points I need to work on to be successful and effective at this. Also its really made me think about what I think teaching is about and the magnitude of it. To me its about the rising up of future generations, its an HUGE task! But enough about that, I think my brain is about to call it quits at the moment... I'm just so happy I finished it! I'm feeling all 'referenced' out and its taken me about 40 hours to complete but I have got there!
There are a few things that have been running through my mind over the past week but I'll reveal those a bit later down the track, but GUESS WHAT? I got my certificate of completion for my degree in the mail yesterday!! Its official, I am Anna BSc (Digital Media) and on my way to be Anna BSc Dip Ed :)
