Friday, July 30, 2004
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
The phaomnneil pweor of the hmuan mnid
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer
in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is
taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae.
The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit
porbelm.
Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef,
but the wrod as a wlohe.
Amzanig huh?
in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is
taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae.
The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit
porbelm.
Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef,
but the wrod as a wlohe.
Amzanig huh?
Monday, July 26, 2004
Friday, July 23, 2004
Eggs....
The elderly pastor was searching his closet for his collar before church one Sunday morning. In the back of the closet, he found a small box containing three eggs and 100 $1 bills.
He called his wife into the closet to ask her about the box and its contents. Embarrassed, she admitted having hidden the box there for their entire 30 years of marriage. Disappointed and hurt, the pastor asked her, "WHY?"
The wife replied that she hadn't wanted to hurt his feelings. He asked her how the box could have hurt his feelings. She said that every time during their marriage that he had delivered a poor sermon, she had placed an egg in the box.
The pastor felt that three poor sermons in 30 years was certainly nothing to feel bad about, so he asked her what the $100 was for.
She replied, "Each time I got a dozen eggs, I sold them to the neighbours for $1."
He called his wife into the closet to ask her about the box and its contents. Embarrassed, she admitted having hidden the box there for their entire 30 years of marriage. Disappointed and hurt, the pastor asked her, "WHY?"
The wife replied that she hadn't wanted to hurt his feelings. He asked her how the box could have hurt his feelings. She said that every time during their marriage that he had delivered a poor sermon, she had placed an egg in the box.
The pastor felt that three poor sermons in 30 years was certainly nothing to feel bad about, so he asked her what the $100 was for.
She replied, "Each time I got a dozen eggs, I sold them to the neighbours for $1."
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
A blog - more exciting than a hamster?
I must say.....more than a month has passed, and the novelty (of having a blog) hasn't worn off yet! I'm sure when I had a hamster as a young child (didn't we all?) - the novelty didn't last this long! It's amazing! Talking of hamsters....click here (make sure the sound is up nice and loud) for a great hamster site (hmm, that's great - if you're five years old!)
If you're new to my blog, then welcome (to the weird and wonderful world of Penster). Click on 'Archives' June 2004 (and fasten your seatbelt) to start the adventure from the beginning....
If you're new to my blog, then welcome (to the weird and wonderful world of Penster). Click on 'Archives' June 2004 (and fasten your seatbelt) to start the adventure from the beginning....
The four girls turn heads in Folkestone....
Oh yes, us four girls were definitely turning heads on Saturday afternoon (albeit those of sheep)!!!
I will explain.....
Growing up on a farm (with a pet sheep!), I have been able to perfect my 'sheep call' (ie, a good 'baa'). You've heard of 'The Horse Whisperer', well, I am a 'Sheep Whisperer'! (It's just one of the two strange talents I have! I'm saving the other talent for the next Church w/end away!) :-)
Whilst happily driving through the countryside (singing four part harmonies to 'Amazing Grace', 'This Little Light of Mine', 'Oh Happy Day' and other such classics) - we came across a few fields full of sheep! A little 'Carpe Diem' moment for me....I put the window down, turned off the music, and gave it my best shot....a few (rather a lot actually) loud bursts of 'baa'. I'm not joking, when I say that the sheep looked up, looked at me, and then replied!!!! Oh yes, I guess you had to be there to fully appreciate the moment, but what a moment it was!! Three different fields - and it worked every time. I also tried it on a field of cows (obviously changing the 'baa' to a 'moo') - and then on a horse that we found (that one was a bit harder).......
Some of you will be reading this thinking 'that girl's strange' (if you don't already!) - but this was just another 'normal' afternoon in the life of Penster.......
I will explain.....
Growing up on a farm (with a pet sheep!), I have been able to perfect my 'sheep call' (ie, a good 'baa'). You've heard of 'The Horse Whisperer', well, I am a 'Sheep Whisperer'! (It's just one of the two strange talents I have! I'm saving the other talent for the next Church w/end away!) :-)
Whilst happily driving through the countryside (singing four part harmonies to 'Amazing Grace', 'This Little Light of Mine', 'Oh Happy Day' and other such classics) - we came across a few fields full of sheep! A little 'Carpe Diem' moment for me....I put the window down, turned off the music, and gave it my best shot....a few (rather a lot actually) loud bursts of 'baa'. I'm not joking, when I say that the sheep looked up, looked at me, and then replied!!!! Oh yes, I guess you had to be there to fully appreciate the moment, but what a moment it was!! Three different fields - and it worked every time. I also tried it on a field of cows (obviously changing the 'baa' to a 'moo') - and then on a horse that we found (that one was a bit harder).......
Some of you will be reading this thinking 'that girl's strange' (if you don't already!) - but this was just another 'normal' afternoon in the life of Penster.......
Monday, July 19, 2004
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Jan prepares for a new life in Eastbourne...
I'm sure Jan will fit in just fine with skills like this! Does anyone know what day the local 'crochet circle' meet (to eat scones, drink tea [from bone china tea cups none-the-less] and do a little crochet)? Seriously though - this is how Jan spends her Saturday mornings, most evenings, and most weekends too - so I'm told! (Understandably, a worrying time for the family!)
Click on the picture for a close up of the crochet!!!!
Jan also wanted me to put that she too, is an awesome woman of God!!
Friday, July 16, 2004
Mike & Elisabeth
Here's Mike (our Senior Pastor) - and his fab wife Elisabeth
Another 'couple' shot Neil (so hopefully you won't feel as bad!)
Neil & Anna
Here's the smoochy shot Neil! I won't be blackmailed (unfortunately for you!!) - so it's here for the world to see......as for labelling me a 'cat freak from Church', which incidently, is a good title for my next blog (what I want to know is - who the other one is? - I'm guessing it's Carolyn, but there may be more of us - PTL!!) well......all I can say is just watch out for me and the camera (and for songs with loads of chords in, next time you're playing the guitar and I'm leading worship!) :-)
Snail and Pace
Snail racing - it's harder than you think! Click here to play!
Wahey...it's Friday! For anyone who's remotely interested in my life (which is probably no-one - but just in case!) - tonight, I'm off to a BBQ @ John & Joy's (for all musicians etc). Tomorrow - up early for the Prayer Breakfast at church, then heading off to sunny (hopefully!) Folkestone, to spend the w/end with Roz, Lisa & Caroline (a bit of a girly w/end before Roz & Giles, Liberty & Judah move back to Ely). Sunday morning we'll all be at Life Church - then I'll probably be back for church in the evening......that's about it! Oh, and I'll warn you - expect a deluge of photos next week - I FINALLY got a digital camera yesterday!
Wahey...it's Friday! For anyone who's remotely interested in my life (which is probably no-one - but just in case!) - tonight, I'm off to a BBQ @ John & Joy's (for all musicians etc). Tomorrow - up early for the Prayer Breakfast at church, then heading off to sunny (hopefully!) Folkestone, to spend the w/end with Roz, Lisa & Caroline (a bit of a girly w/end before Roz & Giles, Liberty & Judah move back to Ely). Sunday morning we'll all be at Life Church - then I'll probably be back for church in the evening......that's about it! Oh, and I'll warn you - expect a deluge of photos next week - I FINALLY got a digital camera yesterday!
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Life on the trains.....
Well, this morning I caught the 7.46am train (it was one of those days where you get the car park space you want, the trains are on time....generally good!)
I haven't yet ordered the last book of the Left Behind series - so thought I'd read a book by Darlene Zschech, on worship. The train pulled into London - and the guy sitting next to me (who I thought had been asleep the whole way) - had obviously been glancing at my book (people do that on trains!) - and asked me if I was a Christian. It turned out that he was a Christian too (although from a more 'traditional' background - his words!) so we had a quick chat! You just never know who you're going to meet next!
I do have some interesting stories - ask me sometime.....
Another thing happened the other day (commuting can be SO much fun sometimes!?!) - I got a taxi back from the station to my car (I usually walk - but it was raining & I was late) - and the taxi driver asked me what I thought about commuting...so I told him. He then went on to say that I was the first person he'd ever met, that didn't mind the commute each day! (He was a little surprised none-the-less). I mean, I wouldn't put 'commuting to London' on a 'Top Ten List of Things to Do' - but a lot of what happens, depends on what you make of it! (I'd better stop, I sense some deep philosophical thoughts emerging!!)
......anyway - it's about time I left work and caught another train.....
I haven't yet ordered the last book of the Left Behind series - so thought I'd read a book by Darlene Zschech, on worship. The train pulled into London - and the guy sitting next to me (who I thought had been asleep the whole way) - had obviously been glancing at my book (people do that on trains!) - and asked me if I was a Christian. It turned out that he was a Christian too (although from a more 'traditional' background - his words!) so we had a quick chat! You just never know who you're going to meet next!
I do have some interesting stories - ask me sometime.....
Another thing happened the other day (commuting can be SO much fun sometimes!?!) - I got a taxi back from the station to my car (I usually walk - but it was raining & I was late) - and the taxi driver asked me what I thought about commuting...so I told him. He then went on to say that I was the first person he'd ever met, that didn't mind the commute each day! (He was a little surprised none-the-less). I mean, I wouldn't put 'commuting to London' on a 'Top Ten List of Things to Do' - but a lot of what happens, depends on what you make of it! (I'd better stop, I sense some deep philosophical thoughts emerging!!)
......anyway - it's about time I left work and caught another train.....
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Lunchtime in the City
Well......yesterday, believe it or not (and you probably will!) - I went to church at lunchtime! There seem to be a number of churches not too far from my office...anyway - one of them has a lunchtime service for just 1/2 hr, so I thought I'd go along. It was quite surreal really - to see people rushing to get to church for the 1.15pm service - all different ages, and 99% of them in suits! When I went in, I found there were approx 250-300 people all waiting to hear the lunchtime message!
After a busy morning of report writing ie: if not isnull (x) then y, else z (kind of thing) - it was a welcome relief!
I was quite excited by the sight of a drum kit and a grand piano - but we started off with a hymn (on the organ), followed by a message from 1 Peter 1 (mainly about the hope that we have as Christians).
Today I went to Starbucks for lunch (with Bridget who works upstairs)....Bridget's from Perth so we were talking about Oz quite a bit.
No plans for tomorrow as yet, but the MD is over from Paris, so it's likely to be a busy day....
After a busy morning of report writing ie: if not isnull (x) then y, else z (kind of thing) - it was a welcome relief!
I was quite excited by the sight of a drum kit and a grand piano - but we started off with a hymn (on the organ), followed by a message from 1 Peter 1 (mainly about the hope that we have as Christians).
Today I went to Starbucks for lunch (with Bridget who works upstairs)....Bridget's from Perth so we were talking about Oz quite a bit.
No plans for tomorrow as yet, but the MD is over from Paris, so it's likely to be a busy day....
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Monday, July 12, 2004
Gorillas in the mist.....
Yes, that's right - if you were at mine on Saturday, you would've seen gorillas in the garden, and in the fields(!) What's a girl supposed to do, when at 10am on a Saturday morning (over a family breakfast none-the-less), her brother says that he'd like to dress up as a gorilla for the afternoon, and asks his 'sis' to find a gorilla suit somewhere!!?! Anyway....in true family style - a gorilla suit arrived with 1/2 hr to spare!
If you're still reading at this point, and wondering what on earth I'm going on about....I'm talking about the 'Open House' on Saturday afternoon! Thankfully the rain held off, and 60 people (including 20 children) had an afternoon on the farm - and got a chance to meet the animals (including the gorilla!) Great fun!! Pics may be available if I can get someone to send me some!
If you're still reading at this point, and wondering what on earth I'm going on about....I'm talking about the 'Open House' on Saturday afternoon! Thankfully the rain held off, and 60 people (including 20 children) had an afternoon on the farm - and got a chance to meet the animals (including the gorilla!) Great fun!! Pics may be available if I can get someone to send me some!
Friday, July 09, 2004
Left Behind
I finished reading book 10 this week - and am now onto book 11 (Armageddon). Last night I sat down to read a few pages, and was still reading 1.5 hrs later! I got very challenged thinking about people giving their lives for the gospel.....
Only one more book to go - 'Glorious Appearing'! I don't know (no-one knows!) when the rapture's going to happen - but it's nearer today than it was yesterday......If you haven't heard of the 'Left Behind' series, check out www.leftbehind.com
Just make sure that you're ready....
Only one more book to go - 'Glorious Appearing'! I don't know (no-one knows!) when the rapture's going to happen - but it's nearer today than it was yesterday......If you haven't heard of the 'Left Behind' series, check out www.leftbehind.com
Just make sure that you're ready....
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Monday, July 05, 2004
The Bible
Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah; he was floating his stock while everyone else was liquidating.
Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. That would be Pharaoh's daughter, who went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he got married?
A. Ruth-less.
Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Honda; because the apostles were all in one Accord. (Acts 2:1)
Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson; he brought down the house.
Q. How did Adam and Eve feel when expelled from the Garden of Eden?
A. They were really put out.
Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?
A. He said, "Your mother ate us out of house and home."
Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David; he rocked Goliath to sleep.
Q. What do they call pastors in Germany?
A. German Shepherds.
Q. What is the best way to get to Paradise?
A. Turn right and go straight.
Q. Which servant of Jehovah was the most notable lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses, because he broke all Ten Commandments at once.
Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around the Jordan; there, the banks were always overflowing.
Q. Where is the first tennis match mentioned in the Bible?
A. When Joseph served in Pharaoh's court.
Q: Which Bible character had no parents?
A: Joshua, son of Nun.
Q: How do we know that they played cards in the ark?
A: Because Noah sat on the deck.
A. Noah; he was floating his stock while everyone else was liquidating.
Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. That would be Pharaoh's daughter, who went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he got married?
A. Ruth-less.
Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Honda; because the apostles were all in one Accord. (Acts 2:1)
Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson; he brought down the house.
Q. How did Adam and Eve feel when expelled from the Garden of Eden?
A. They were really put out.
Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?
A. He said, "Your mother ate us out of house and home."
Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David; he rocked Goliath to sleep.
Q. What do they call pastors in Germany?
A. German Shepherds.
Q. What is the best way to get to Paradise?
A. Turn right and go straight.
Q. Which servant of Jehovah was the most notable lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses, because he broke all Ten Commandments at once.
Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around the Jordan; there, the banks were always overflowing.
Q. Where is the first tennis match mentioned in the Bible?
A. When Joseph served in Pharaoh's court.
Q: Which Bible character had no parents?
A: Joshua, son of Nun.
Q: How do we know that they played cards in the ark?
A: Because Noah sat on the deck.
The Weekend.....
It appears that one (and only one) person wants to know what I got up to at the w/end......so, just for you (you know who you are!) - Friday night, I decided to stay in (was supposed to be going out for a meal with people I used to work with, but after a rather long dental appt, comprising of four injections, three x-rays, one impression & one temporary crown(!) - food was the last thing on my mind....unlikely, I know, but trust me - it's true!)
Saturday...I went to SOLID with Jo (for more info about this check out SOLID 2004 on Phil's blog or Ann's blog here). We met up with Phil & Jan, Anna (in fact - quite a large proportion of the Loose family) - which was cool! Phil and the NC band did a fab worship slot in the evening (fast 'n loud) - and it was great to see the youth from church really getting into it! Oh, and it was great to see Phil leading worship in a t-shirt with PINK LACE on the sleeves (kindly made for him by some of the girls there)!
Sunday - led worship at church in the morning, then went out for lunch.....and spent the rest of the day in Chelmsford incl church in the eve.
Church was awesome - great messages preached yesterday.....it's exciting! :-)
This morning I woke up at 5am....so may have an early night tonight (for early - that means before midnight!) My diary is remarkably clear this week - I guess that leaves time for the ironing (which on my calculations - hasn't been done for about 3 wks!).....
Adios hasta manana!
Saturday...I went to SOLID with Jo (for more info about this check out SOLID 2004 on Phil's blog or Ann's blog here). We met up with Phil & Jan, Anna (in fact - quite a large proportion of the Loose family) - which was cool! Phil and the NC band did a fab worship slot in the evening (fast 'n loud) - and it was great to see the youth from church really getting into it! Oh, and it was great to see Phil leading worship in a t-shirt with PINK LACE on the sleeves (kindly made for him by some of the girls there)!
Sunday - led worship at church in the morning, then went out for lunch.....and spent the rest of the day in Chelmsford incl church in the eve.
Church was awesome - great messages preached yesterday.....it's exciting! :-)
This morning I woke up at 5am....so may have an early night tonight (for early - that means before midnight!) My diary is remarkably clear this week - I guess that leaves time for the ironing (which on my calculations - hasn't been done for about 3 wks!).....
Adios hasta manana!
Friday, July 02, 2004
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Self-Control
I'm all alone...in the office (with a copy of Redemption Hymnal - don't ask!)....it's getting late.....and I know that there are chocolate biscuits in the cupboard....shall I? Shall I not? That's a difficult one.... How will the story end?
It's Thursday (again) - and it's getting late....
......and I'm still at work. Anyway.....this week has been a little eventful (both for the car - and for me) as we have been suffering from a little problem.....too much oil (good for me(!), bad for the car - lots of smoke and burning smells)! Anyway....my Dad is fab - he fixed the car last night, so all is well :-) PTL!
I have another dental appt first thing tomorrow....root canal treatment (the best!) Hopefully that's then it for a while....
At church a few weeks ago - I picked up a couple of booklets 'Big Questions About God and You'....my Boss has just told me that we're going to be discussing this over lunch tomorrow (all four of us) - so it's going to be interesting!! They have so many questions....I don't know all the answers, but I know One that does! Please pray for this - thanks!
I have another dental appt first thing tomorrow....root canal treatment (the best!) Hopefully that's then it for a while....
At church a few weeks ago - I picked up a couple of booklets 'Big Questions About God and You'....my Boss has just told me that we're going to be discussing this over lunch tomorrow (all four of us) - so it's going to be interesting!! They have so many questions....I don't know all the answers, but I know One that does! Please pray for this - thanks!
Deep Impact
For anyone who doesn't know....we have a fab youthworker at Elim - Ann! Check out the Deep Impact Blog for current news!
Also....for a daily Bible Study (well - almost!) and to see what people who've just finished their exams are up too....check out Shasa's Blog
Enjoy!!
Also....for a daily Bible Study (well - almost!) and to see what people who've just finished their exams are up too....check out Shasa's Blog
Enjoy!!
