[beanie]

Originally Posted by guitarfan01

Amen, Bonnie. I love your outlook on life. It's very encouraging. Thanks for sharing it.

Well, yeah... but it doesn't mean I live in this kinda knowledge and conviction all the time. Like, it's there, but sometimes I'm low, weak... But, you get through cos, like I said, the truth is deeper than the circumstance.




What a crazy couple of days!!!!!!!

Nothing really insane happened, but I've just been real busy.

Yesterday, after working, I finally got off my butt and got my license - it's amazing what happens when you finally get up to do it! It's all wierd and stuff now cos now that I can actually drive (legally!), its all just surreal.

Last night, I went to prayer meeting and small group. We hadn't had small group while the school holidays have been on, so we spent all the time eating chips and TIMTAMS and drinking yummy hot drinks and stuff.

Meh... I'll finish this later.

[guitarfan01]

Originally Posted by beanie

Meh... I'll finish this later.

Then I'll reply later. Oh, darnit, I already did.

[beanie]

After small group, I had a sleepover with Georgi and Bri. Sleepovers are always so fun.

Yesterday, I caught up with Belle and Kiah for lunch and then Carly in the afternoon. Carly and I went and visited Amy and then Rachel cos we were just in the area. It was good to see them all again. Amy is getting married on September 11. She's so little, as in physically. She's pretty young too, at 19, but she is so ready for marriage. She's so on the ball, prepared and ... ready! It's just funny cos she's the same age as me and it could just as easily be my situation... but it's not and it's impossible for me to think of me getting married in 8 weeks from now. Crazy business!

Last night, we had christian leadership training at Coastlands. So good. It's incredible; the teaching I'm under in my chuch and ministry. I'm under the influence of godly, spirit-led men and women... It humbles me and stretches me. It's so good.

Today... 12:30pm right now... I'm still in my pj's with extra trackys and jumpers over the top. My hair is flat as and I haven't showered. I love days off - even though I would love more work. I should write to mum and do my tax return so I can maybe get it back before I go to Philippines and pay for the trip!

Youth tonight. We're playing a bunch of games in the church and hopefully my favourite - Kossac Carnage!

This morning I thought my nose was running, so I wiped it with my hand - but it was blood instead. It was gross. I'd never had a blood nose before and it wasn't very big but it was disgusting and now I can't say that I've never had a blood nose before, cos I have!

Oh well. I'm off to write letters and fill in forms (I really love filling in forms!) for tax! WOO! Peace out punksters.

[guitarfan01]

Originally Posted by beanie

After small group, I had a sleepover with Georgi and Bri. Sleepovers are always so fun.

I suppose. The ones I had were ok. Well, they were pretty good, anyway.

Yesterday, I caught up with Belle and Kiah for lunch and then Carly in the afternoon. Carly and I went and visited Amy and then Rachel cos we were just in the area. It was good to see them all again. Amy is getting married on September 11. She's so little, as in physically. She's pretty young too, at 19, but she is so ready for marriage. She's so on the ball, prepared and ... ready! It's just funny cos she's the same age as me and it could just as easily be my situation... but it's not and it's impossible for me to think of me getting married in 8 weeks from now. Crazy business!

I do believe I know the feeling. It seems to me like all my friends are either married or engaged, sometimes. Weird stuff.

Last night, we had christian leadership training at Coastlands. So good. It's incredible; the teaching I'm under in my chuch and ministry. I'm under the influence of godly, spirit-led men and women... It humbles me and stretches me. It's so good.

Oh, do I know what that's like! It's great to be surrounded with such amazing people as I am.

Today... 12:30pm right now... I'm still in my pj's with extra trackys and jumpers over the top. My hair is flat as and I haven't showered. I love days off - even though I would love more work. I should write to mum and do my tax return so I can maybe get it back before I go to Philippines and pay for the trip!

I dress like that all the time. I need to get a job though, so I can stop dressing like that, and maybe someday have the pleasure of doing a tax return.

Youth tonight. We're playing a bunch of games in the church and hopefully my favourite - Kossac Carnage!

How did that go? Are you pretty much a leader among the youth?

This morning I thought my nose was running, so I wiped it with my hand - but it was blood instead. It was gross. I'd never had a blood nose before and it wasn't very big but it was disgusting and now I can't say that I've never had a blood nose before, cos I have!

Congratulations.

Oh well. I'm off to write letters and fill in forms (I really love filling in forms!) for tax! WOO! Peace out punksters.

You are not natural. But you rock anyway.

Galen

[beanie]

What an insaneo life I lead.

I'm buggered but I stay up late and go to work early. I'm working sooooooooo many hours its just so good for the mondosh, beby!

Yesterday (what are the odds), a couple who pastor a real small chuch near my farm, in the middle of nowhere, came through my checkout. They didn't remember me cos I don't go to their church and I don't live at home anymore, but they knew my parents and remembered me when I was "just a little girl". When he was 18, Glen attempted suicide and drove his car off the end of the town jetty. He survived but has been permanently in a wheelchair since. Convinced, after this incident, that there was a God and that God had a purpose for him, he went to bible college and became a pastor. He's been pastoring ever since. Somewhere along the way, he me and fell in love with Avril, who agreed to become his wife even though they've never been able to have kids. Now, 50 something years on, they're still serving the Lord with everything they've got and joy just oozes out of them.

If that's not the mooshiest, yet grandest story you've ever heard, I wanna hear it.

I got my proper, legal card for my license the other day. My hair is all sticking up on one side and it's all lopsided - along with my smile. Oh well. It's not as bad as some I've seen... (*cough..* kez!)

The other night, I went with Kez and a few other firends to Shenanigans... A sweet little Irish pub. Kareoke night. I didn't sing - not on stage anyways, but I had a pretty fun time watching some good and ... not so good talent. I love going to pubs. I love the atmosphere and the people. I just hate how everything stinks of alcohol and smoke and how much you notice it when you've come out of the building.

Tonight - I'm going to prayer and small group and then having a sleepover with my housemate at the house she is housesitting. Tomorrow, I'm working and then having a freaking 10 course chinese banquet for dinner! Shivermetimbers. I'm gonna be fat.

[snowboarderTim]

Cool story bon!

10 course chinese???? Mmmmmm... That sounds really good!!

Glad to see lifes going good for you, catch you round like a rissole

Tim

[beanie]

Originally Posted by guitarfan01

You are not natural. But you rock anyway.

Galen

Thanks for being honest. That made me laugh...! I didn't only just read it then. I've been reading it for several days now and it makes me laugh. Thankyou.

[beanie]

Originally Posted by snowboarderTim

Cool story bon!

10 course chinese???? Mmmmmm... That sounds really good!!

Glad to see lifes going good for you, catch you round like a rissole

Tim

10 courses yes... but the weren't massive or major or anything. For example, one meal was fried rice, another one was coffee and tea, another one was icecream and banana fritters, one was pancake bread and meat. So, some were more "mealish" than others. It was still good though. I'm so unco with chopsticks - entertained the younger kids at my table, that is for sure.

We raised heaps of money from it. Praise the Lord! The head guy, Yian, was stressing out about the money side of things, which today, at coreteam meeting, he confessed about. He hadn't sought the Lord about the dinner and the finances. I didn't know this, but I remember on the lead up to the dinner I was praying for Yian and his stressing. I was also praying about donations and the amount of people who came.

To me, I would see the situation and the results of the night as an answer to prayer. To Yian, he would see the whole thing as a work of God, for his glory, despite his shortcomings.

Cool, ey, how God still does stuff for His glory, still chosing to use us, even though, sometimes, we're not on the right tracks with him. Take Jonah for example.

He was called. He ran away - geographically almost 180 degrees the other direction from where God wanted him! One would assume that the other sailors on the boat with him would have turned to God after the storm died down. A whole freaking city of filthy rich snobs came to know God after his message!

Even though one might run from God, ignore Him, refuse to pray about some issue... In the whole process of God getting us to where He wants to be (ultimately: heaven), He'll bless others through us and He will always do whatever brings the most glory to His own name.

Praise God for that!

[guitarfan01]

You are cool, and inspiring. And I'm glad I know you.

[beanie]

Today, we got to wear jeans to work, instead of the regular, black dress pants. It was really fun. It's funny how something so small can create such an atmosphere of community and fun. The whole day was much more laid back and friendly (but that could have also been due to the rays of sunshine we'd been missing out on for soooooo long!). Tonight was also one of our supervisors last nights (Tash). I'm gonna miss her. We had cake at the service desk which is completely against the rules, but yum! (Jeans for Genes day is a national day, where the people are encouraged to wear jeans for the day and donate money towards research about... genes.)

Tomorrow, I'm working all day - much as I have all these past couple of days. I've been flat out working and at the end of the day, so tired. My house and room is so messy and the huge pile of clothes have now migrated from behind my door to slushing around in the washing machine! I'm going to get back to cleaning... I just wanted to let you know that I'm still alive (if anyone other than Galan cared [thanks buddy ]). I'm just real busy but still loving life.

Next Wednesday, me and Reubs (my eldest brother) are road-trippin to Victoria to check out colleges and catch up with a few people. There was even talk we might go and see some snow! I'm real excited... not only cos I'll get to drive for the first time (legally, and have to follow road rules), but cos I'll finally know what next year will look like as far as the possibility of moving there and studying goes. If you think of it, pray for me next week as I research all these things and makes some pretty significant decisions that'll effect the rest of my life!

Love yas!

[beanie]

Oh dear God we ask for your favour
Come and sweep through this place
Oh we desire You

I just want to be with You be where You are
Dwell in your presence oh God
Oh I want to walk with You

And I will climb this mountain
And I'll step of the shore
And I have chosen to follow
And be by Your side forever more

Tell me what You want me to do Lord God
Tell me what You want for my life
Its Your's Oh God it's Yours
Do your will
Have Your way
Be Lord God in this place
Oh I want Your will to be done

[beanie]

The other day, I was talking with someone about the adventures of life. You plan, you strive, you think.... Plans don't go to plan, striving seems fruitless, your thinking is whatever else. You can be in such a rush and everyones running around. Blah. Blah. Blah. It's really psycho and completely confusing at times - the way things get so muddled and all.

It's funny how some people can get all flustered and caught up in it. They apologise for inconvenience like their life depended on it. Others can just be so overwhelmed by the happenings, they're speechless. The reactions really make me laugh. I wonder what kind of steady lives the lead.

My life is constantly like that. Going this way and then that. People who know me well will agree that my ideas are like that too. I could do this and go there. Tomorrow, I'm going someplace else doing that. I'm working these hours, but they're actually something else. I planned to do this, but I actually did that.

These things, swift changes, adventures, in my life don't flabbergast me. It's normality.

Weird.

I'm going to church.


Really.

[beanie]

This morning, I got home at 4:30! It's was crazy and we (Reubs, Anna & me) were all whacked!

Last Wednesday, I finished work at 11 and we were leaving my house at 12. We (Reubs and me) drove all the way to Melbourne (700 something kms), with about 3 stops, and got to where we were staying at 10pm.

Thursday: We took a train into the city and a tram out to Whitley, a uni-housing place - a real rad circular building. There, we met up with my friend Rob for lunch. Well, I'd never met Rob before then, but we met in the garden and off we went for lunch. He had to go to uni, so we were only there for a bit but we had a great little time.

Whitley was just across a couple of ovals from the zoo, so when Rob went to uni, Reubs and I trudged over the grass to the zoo. Finding that it cost $20, we declared it was too expensive and just a zoo. We brought Mr Whippy's and walked back towards Whitley! Mr Whippy's icecream was crappy, so I used mine to see how far I could spit it and Reubs put his in a tree and made friends with a little willy-wagtail which we didn't bring home with us.

We took a tram (catching it in the middle of the road which was the weirdest thing ever) back to the city and made it to the Victorian Markets in time to see them all packed up! We walked around the smelly inner-city and it was gross! We got a few things and then trained it back to where we were staying.

We were staying with ye olde family friends, John and Lorraine. That night, Lorraine and I had a lovely chat (while the boys went out to a homing pigeons society meeting) about marriage and life and everything nice like that. She is just great that lady.

Friday: We drove out to the mountains, north east of the city and went to a wildlife sactuary. It was freezing but nice. Then, we met up with my friend Andy at the Bible College of Victoria. We talked and toured the college. I talked with the Dean of Students and then Andy took us out to Coldstream, where he studies flight engineering in conjuction with BCV and MAF (Missionary Aviation Fellowship). So, Reubs got to check out the courses they offer out there (he's a bit of a mechanic) and there I got to catch up with Tony, a lecturer I met earlier this year. It was so cool... planes and stuff.

Back at the College, we talked for a while longer and caught up with another flight student I know, Ben. I wasn't planning on seeing him cos he wasn't answering his phone, so it was a pleasent suprise! Here, Reubs and I parted company and Ryan (ozguitarist) came and picked me up.

We drove up Mt Dandenong and saw a nice few even though it was freezing. We then did a spot of shopping before going back to his house for tea. There I met his family and a few extended family who're staying with them. It was very humourous! We stayed up talking for a long time!

Saturday: Ryan drove me out to Kangaroo Ground, where the Wycliffe Bible Translating base in Australia is. Said goodbye to Rysie and hello to Geoff and Aileen (the South Australian/Northern Territory/Tasmanian reps for Wycliffee and the leaders of our EYWT [Explore Your World Tour] to Philippines.) We had a team meeting at their house! It was so good. There are 2 Ben's on the team... They're both Benjamin John... And I'm Bonnie Jean so that makes 3 BJ's. We had so much fun! The trip is going to be so good. I'm real excited.

We're gonna meet at Melbourne Airport at around 9pm on New Years Eve and get through customs early and say our goodbyes. Then have new years in the International Airport, just our team. I'm real excited. There's also 99% chance that our team will grow with a few extra memebers from New Zealand! I love kiwis. It's just going to be oh so rad!

Reubs came to get me and Anna (a fellow South Australian gal) and stayed for tea. So much fun and games. We were driving out of Kangaroo Ground at 7:30pm. We drove and drove and drove and got home to Adelaide at 4:30am. Sleep is just so good. I feel really out of it.

So much happened in one weekend. Melbourne stank, but the hills were freaking awesome. I could easy live there. I thought that BCV is where God wanted me and I went there to make sure... but it's not where He wants me and now I don't know where He wants me. I was hoping He'd want me there so then I wouldn't have to think of other options and continue not knowing where He wants me.

At least that's one of 1000 million places crossed off. 999 to check out. I wish there was such thing as flashing neon lights in the sky to tell ya!

[Christop]

You were in Melbourne on the weekend? Me to. It was my brother's 18th. How stuffed was the weather?!

[Christop]

Alos: now that I've read back a few pages, how did Edwin's war simulation thing go?