On a more serious note, the teaching was amazing. Hearing about how holy God is, how he is holier than we could ever imagine and that he really does deserve our fear and trembling. But also, how he is a God of love who chose to dwell with us, and sacrificed his son Jesus Christ so we could be in relationship with him. Completely amazing stuff. It's also very challenging, thinking how holy God is and how *unholy* we are. Something that really stuck out for me was the idea of holiness not being just our actions, but coming from our inner motives. I think that makes it a lot harder. I am so thankful that Jesus is working within me, cause without him I could never be holy enough for God.

Through the teaching and especially through the songs and the worship, I fell completely in love with God again. I'm praying that God keeps me this inspired by him throughout the whole semester. I love singing, I got to sing at camp which was great. And I was very excited by how everyone is now thinking about social justice. I really think God is going to do great things through CU in regards to social justice.

Hey, on a completely unrelated note - I am learning Tongan! Ko Pela au

MYC was fun, such a good week. So many things to write about. The fellowship was awesome, getting to know people on a deeper level and meeting new people. And enjoying the silliness that went on...like the plastic cups in the mouth challenge, bouldering, mafia and kidnapping guys from their beds on the last night. Not that I participated...I was just an amused spectator. And then there were the hats. I brought five hats with me and bought another hat for $1 at the op shop. I tried on other peoples hats aswell: if I remember correctly, I swapped hats with Katus, Brett, Dougie, Mike Turner, Anthony and Kath (was it her who had the commie balaclava?). And I got to try on the signed fluro yellow cap.

Thankyou Alison, for the games, particularly as the sheep won. BAAAAAAAAAAA! And some thanks should go to Ben for using his trumpeting skills in such a holy way - encouraging others to wake up and learn about God. And to Trina for coming in our room to wake us up, even though the people in my room were always already up by the time she got there.

Some funny quotes (to the best of my memory)

Mike Baines giving the media seminar: The media often sends the message that guys are only interested in sex
Jono: And food!

Brett: So, the main idea of this passage is 'love yourself'

Kate: The trampoline is wet
Bella: It's crying
(Kate pats it and the water on the trampoline falls through)
Bella: Look, you made it better. You gave it the Amanda pat.
Kate: You can't give the Amanda pat to a trampoline


Kate: It's the Amanda pat 2000 (in reference to her stroking Amanda's pink blanket/mantle)

My semester is not looking as bad now. I dropped one of my fourth year subjects and picked up a 2nd year english subject about children's literature. I honestly don't think I could have done two full-on fourth year subjects and prac. I would have gotten sick, and that would complicate things even further. Thankfully, God helps me work these things out even when I barely ask him for help. I am so thankful for his love and grace.

And...YAY for MYC!!

I just looked at my unit outlines for this semester

This semester is going to be hard!

I gave my book to Amy, the year 6 girl I tutor, so she can have a read. I've never had kids read it before. Since it's supposed to be a kids book, I thought that would be a good idea. From the few pages she's read so far, she thinks its good. But, I have a feeling that could be just because its 150 pages long (which isn't that long, but for kids it seems like an epic achievement). I'll probably get another 'Oh, it's so good' response, but, really, that's all I want at the moment!

Speaking of writing, Dad suggested I need a nom-de-plume. He initially suggested Bree Timmins, which made me giggle. So then I suggested that I needed a cool sea-creature name, like Stingray but something different. After a few suggestions, I ended up with the name Calamari Timmins (not that I will ever use it really, but it's always there if I need it!) I like calamari, and it's slightly more exotic sounding than Squid.

On the enthusiastic recommendation of Alison, Kate and Amanda, I have arrived! Hopefully now I can think of something to write....I'm supposed to be going shopping soon. My sister needs to get art supplies for next semester and I'm coming with her. Mum is complaining that it's cold, but, with my underdeveloped thermostat, I don't notice it much. I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Maybe it is a little bit cold. Thus endeth my first post...more will follow later.