...Hammer and Nails...

Summer 2009 Part 1

2009-09-10T17:08:00.004-04:00

Ok...so it has been forever...but what a wonderful and blessed summer. Here is my first two weeks of July in a video link. I had the wonderful privilege of taking 22 people to my home country of Northern Ireland for a Mission Trip. They had a superb time under the generous hospitality of Newtownbreda Presbyterian. They grew and developed personally, they served on community outreach on behalf of a church community and they embraced the culture and history that Northern Ireland has to offer! What a blessed opportunity! If you didn't keep up with their daily diary whilst there go check it out HERE.

Love and Party Rings! SP x

2009-06-11T13:42:00.001-04:00

Mobile post sent by pointy007 using Utterli. Replies. mp3

Love + Time = Timely Love??!

2009-05-04T15:41:00.004-04:00

"The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor.

But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents.

Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to turn a life around.

It's overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt." (Author:Leo Buscaglia)

What a challenge it is that lies before us...to make our love felt. I struggle from day to day and am never afraid to admit that often I get caught up in the moment and fail to see the instances I overlook of how to make my love felt. My prayer today is to be strengthened by that Love I do feel in Jesus Christ and to use that love as my energy and my motivation each day.

So often the smallest gift of time is the largest replicate of love. Time shows people you care, time shows people you want to care, time shows you don't understand but you're there, time shows effort and at the same time, time can distance, time doesn't always heal, time can destroy.

So today what a challenge that lies before each and everyone of us. To make proper use of our time and in doing so, to replicate that love so freely given for us!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

1 minute prayer for today (1)

2009-04-27T13:15:00.002-04:00

take one minute and say a prayer of thanks to God:

'Dear God,

I thank you, thank you, thank you. You have been a wonderful and loving God to me.You have given me so much, so many blessings, that I can not name them all.

For my family and for my friends, for my life, I thank you.
For all that you do for me, and for all that you are to me, I thank you.

I want to live for you, Lord- not out of fear or obligation, but out of gratitude. I am truly thankful.

Amen'

Love and Party Rings! SP x

The more...

2009-04-27T11:49:00.000-04:00

The more you give,

The more you get,

The more you laugh,

The less you fret,

The more you do

unselfishly

The more you live

abundently

The more of everything

you share,

The more you'll always

have to spare

The more you love,

the more you'll find

That life is good

and friends are kind.

For only what we give away,

Enriches us from day to day.

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

Better late than never!

2009-04-22T13:56:00.004-04:00

Hey guys,

I agree I kind of got out of the way of blogging for a while. Life has been extremely busy however and as promised at the start of March I would update with lots of exciting news. I most certainly have lots to share so let's give a brief overview. Being the good Presbyterian that I am, here are 3 big things that happened to me in March:

- In March the Session of APPC voted to extend my contract for a further 3 years and, further to this, to sponsor me for a Green Card alongside it. This is extremely exciting news and I am excited by what God has in store for the future.I feel humbled and privileged by what is entrusted to me and I just hope that through everything we do with the Church, the young people and everyone, that it can give glory to God.

-I also got a few days off and several of us (myself, Melodie-the associate Pastor here, Jeff & Carrie O'Riley- a couple from the church) embarked on a several day visit to New Jersey and New York. We spent a night in Princeton exploring many things including most notably the Seminary that is there (for potential future reference!!). Then we trained it to New York and saw many of the sights on offer there. I have included a few pictures:

Holding the Statue of Liberty

Times Square

Central Park

For the political junkie - The UN World Headquarters

...and it wouldn't be New York without some Cheesecake

- Further to all of this (and kind of like a late birthday present to celebrate my half century) I decided to get a little big of company for my house. So at the start of March I got a little companion, rescued from a Humane Society in Huron Valley. His name is Warner, he is a 1 and a half year old puppy. He is a Labrador Retriever Weimaraner mix. He is a beautiful light black, dark charcoal color! He loves to go running, play with soccer balls and tennis balls and he loves to chew things...most notably two of my Bibles!!

I hope to be a little more consistent now that Easter is over with. I did get the opportunity to preach twice over Easter. You can find one of the sermons on the church website. Enjoy!

I hope everyone had a great Easter and has lots of exciting summer plans ahead. Look forward to catching up with everyone soon!! For anyone that has exams coming up....GOOD LUCK!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

where have you been?

2009-03-06T14:41:00.002-05:00

Hey!

It has been a while I know...and for that I apologize. February was a crazy month. It is the month of our Winter Retreats in the church and that takes me out of commission at camp for 2 weekends alongside preaching one of the other weekends in February and even co-officiating at a wedding....you get the picture!

What a month it was however and how wonderful it is to see God moving in so many ways. I wanted to share a video with you of last Summer. We are busy working towards Summer Camps 2009 and so I just got done uploading the video to the internet, so figured I may as well share it.

I hope everyone is keeping well and ready for the weather change that is about to happen! I hope to blog with some really cool and exciting news next so watch this space!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

the rest of the trip home

2009-01-31T15:41:00.007-05:00

So it has been crazy over the last few weeks, but before I blog on that I need to finish my Christmas journey first, so apologies if this is a longer blog than usual:

So after the whole surprise thing and the whole returning to my house being decorated thing... I really enjoyed my time back in Belfast. We had a full house for the Christmas week as my grandparents (see picture)

and my middle brother (with my mum in the picture)

where in town for a week! I definitely enjoyed catching up with everyone and seeing many family and friends whom I had not seen in a year and a half! The full house also was a little frustrating at times as I think I adjusted to my own space and independence quite a bit but these were things you just had to get on with!

The week between Christmas and New Year was spent at lots of parties with families and the odd trip to the pub with friends! It was very funny to sit and catch up with some friends including one in particular who said I should have called him to come pick me up for the airport...which was very nice of him....apart from the small matter of when I left Northern Ireland he didn't even have his license and so I wasn't to know he was able to pick me up!!

We even made it to a couple of pub quizzes. I really struggle to find something which is as great a social event than a pub quiz. The mixture of banter with friends, few drinks and good humor with everyone else in the bar is just something that I really enjoy...which might explain why I did it for several years!

One of my parents presents to me was to go for a morning for some Clay Pigeon Shooting:

The gentleman who was coaching me (in the last picture) said I was a quick learner and was one of the best first time students he had had...I made it all the way around the site to shoot from many different angles. It was alot of fun!

So 3 weeks does fly and after many more visits with family, friends, several opportunities to speak in church and some work on the side...it was time to journey back to Allen Park. The day before I left Belfast it was a nice 55 degrees ( 13 Celsius)...and not 3 days after getting back to Michigan it was -35 degrees ( -37 Celsius)...bbbbrrrrrrrr!

To top it all, Allen Park decided to even save me a little bit of snow, that for the first time ever I snowplowed all by myself. A Typical Michigan winter apparently gets on average 44 inches, and to date we have had around 52 inches. If you look, at the wire fence in the first picture, along the side you can see the foot or foot and a half of snow layer that was cut away:

My back yard was pretty covered:

There was even a pretty big mound of snow once I had finished blowing it all off my driveway:

However, as much as I complain about the Cold weather...I really do love the snow:

All in all it was an eventful month from leaving for Ireland to returning to Allen Park. The month ahead looks busy with Winter Retreats coming up but I am loving every minute of my busy life here and long may it continue!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Back from Outer Space

2009-01-21T16:25:00.004-05:00

So it has been several weeks since I have blogged...part of this was because I was back in Northern Ireland for a few weeks and part of it was the intensity of blogging for most days in November and December that I decided to take a break!

So before sharing all about my wonderful Christmas in Northern Ireland over the next few blogs I thought I would start at the end and share with everyone the wonderful house I came home to. Whilst I was away a wonderful group of high schoolers decided they wanted to bring a smile to my face after traveling for close to 24 hours back to Allen Park and so I walked in the door to the following:

The level of detail did bring a smile to my face and I am enjoying in moments of rage just bursting those balloons! Thanks Guys!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Christmas Wishes

2008-12-25T08:49:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I really wish everyday was like this. I really feel there is something special about church on christmas morning. A 40 minute service...some carols and a talk with the children who all bring a toy that they got...a feeling of happiness and good cheer and a genuine warmth!

So after meeting a multitude of people at church this morning...home for christmas dinner and an afternoon of chilling, games and ridiculous tv shows!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful christmas whether they are at home, on holiday, with family or friends, or with the company of themselves. I trust that the genuine love and warmth this time of year may stay with you the rest of this year into 2009.

Merry Christmas!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

The Surprise

2008-12-23T18:39:00.002-05:00

So the surprise began long before this monday (21st December)...I had began planning for the last month to travel home before christmas day...and when I got the flights booked at the start of December...it's fair to say I was like a little child who got the candy...or the cat who got the cream...or the Detroit Lions Player who got the win...nevermind?!?!?!

So Sunday was spent packing and packing and tidying and tidying.

9:30am on Monday 21st December arrived and I packed my bags into Doug's car....after a delay on the freeway we made the back way into the airport at 10am. At which stage I was met with a 90 minute wait to check my bags in.....grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...i did not cope well with it!!

EVENTUALLY....we got through and when i got to my gate (which had been changed) I found first of all it was delayed by 2 hours and then another 2 hours....4 and half hours in total!! So my 5 and half hour layover quickly evaporated....another 30 minutes waiting on the airplane...soon meant I was lucky to make my JFK connection at 6:50pm.

However, I did make the overboarded aircraft and proceeded on the 6 hour journey to Dublin...lots of turbulence etc followed but at 6:30 am I arrived in Dublin!! Another 30minute delay was met with sarcastic applause as a mechanical failure on the baggage door was to blame.

At 7:30am I checked my car out and proceeded on the 100mile drive to Belfast, Northern Ireland.

I arrived at about 9:45 and found my parents not to be home....so after a drive around the block...I went back a little after 10 and hid my car around the corner. At which point I called my house and spoke with my mother, the following is what was said:

"So what is everyone going to think?"
"about what?"
"well didn't you just ask for me this year?"
"i think so"
"well what is everyone going to think when you get to open your present 2 days earlier than they do!?!?!?"

At which point I saw my mother looking out the front door and me walking up the driveway...at which point she screamed and began to shed tears!

We embraced and my surprise was complete...my plan worked out after all the stress of travelling and I managed to make it with the trip being a complete surprise to one and all!

Merry Christmas!
Love and Party Rings! SP x

So I promised...

2008-12-19T11:32:00.008-05:00

...some pictures of the first big snowfall...and here they are...

This is a little story of an adventure in the 10 inches of snow that fell last night:

So out into the world I went this morning:

This was how the world looked last night before I went to bed:

This is what it looked like this morning:

I tried walking though found it difficult at times with my feet being eaten up by the snow:

There was snow everywhere, on the play scape and my driveway:

On the street to the church from my house:

On the side of my house:

On the church buildings with the pretty wreaths:

I even walked to the top of the street one way:

I then looked the other way:

I then decided to walk back towards my house:

and pick up my trusty side kick...Mr Snow Shovel:

The snow shovel fought bravely at times:

In the end however, only I survived:

The End!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

I have only one thing to say...

2008-12-18T22:19:00.000-05:00

...and that is.... there is 10 inches of snow forecast for early 2moro morning!!!

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!! :)

Love and Party Rings! SP x

The 12 Days of Christmas Cost

2008-12-15T16:10:00.002-05:00

So apparently this is what the 12 days of christmas would cost in 2008 (according to here):

A Partridge ($20)
in a Pear Tree ($200)

Two turtle Doves ($55)

Three French Hens ($30)

Four Calling Birds ($60)

Five Golden Rings ($350)

Six Geese a Laying ($240)

Seven Swans-a-swimming ($5600)

Eight Maids a Milking ($52)

Nine Ladies Dancing ($4759)

Ten Lords a Leaping ($4414)

Eleven Pipers Piping ($2285)

Twelve Drummers Drumming ($2475)

For a grand total cost for the 12 days of Christmas in 2008 of: $86,609

Phew....glad I'm not paying...

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

The Pearly Gates

2008-12-11T15:20:00.000-05:00

Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates. "In honor of this holy season," Saint Peter said, "you must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven."

The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. It represents a candle, he said.
"You may pass through the pearly gates", Saint Peter said.

The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, "They're bells".
Saint Peter said, "you may pass through the pearly gates".

The third man started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women's panties.
St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, "And just what do those symbolize?"

The man replied, "They're Carols".

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Question for YOU

2008-12-10T15:34:00.003-05:00

So I was reading an article today and in this article it was talking about making small talk at a christmas party or gathering. It said that the number one question to ask is this:

-What's the best thing that's happened to you since last Christmas?

This at first seemed a difficult question to answer, then I considered it and it became a little easier...and now its just real simple. Over the last year I have had many wonderful experiences and opportunities. Here are just a few thoughts:

-Getting to spend a couple of weeks in Oklahoma with my buddies there!

-Getting to experience my first and second winter retreats...and the bus getting trapped in the middle of the ice storm whilst leaving!

-Having my house "decorated" for my birthday by some of my wonderful high school seniors!

-An Easter all niter driving all over the city reliving the scripture of the Easter Story!

-Having Joe come visit and just being given the opportunity to share our stories with over 2000 young people!

- Experiencing a Michigan Winter!

-Traveling to Pennsylvania for our inter-generational Mission Trip with 35 others!

-Spending 3 weeks at camp...meeting a couple hundred people, getting eaten alive, getting burnt, getting exhausted, getting A/C, getting a smashed windscreen...and loving every minute of it!

-Having my family come visit and visiting the many places with them!

-Montreat 2008! Week VI

-Having 28 at our first SHYC Soapbox

-NOT ALMA Youth Mix 2008

-Being granted the opportunity and the privilege to stay and work with some wonderful young people for another year!

So alot has happened over the last year and I have barely scratched the surface through it all. I can however easily answer the question about the best thing that has happened to me since last Christmas?

... Being given the opportunity, through God's will and with God's strength, to experience each and every moment Ive mentioned and the hundreds that I haven't mentioned!

So I ask YOU, what is the best thing that has happened to you since last Christmas?

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Advent Conspiracy

2008-12-09T11:50:00.001-05:00

Found this gem, care of Advent Conspiracy:

Love and Party Rings! SP x

An eventful Night at APPC...

2008-12-08T00:15:00.002-05:00

Soooooooo, it all began around 11pm this evening...

I was chatting on my computer when I needed some water...and off I went to get some water from my kitchen.

Suddenly I noticed the 2nd floor hall lights in the church turned on, which I thought was strange b/c I made sure I turned them off earlier on in the evening!

...hmmmmmm...

All of a sudden this light comes on in the attic roof like up on the roof, where the door is on the church roof...2 stories above ground level.

And the light is on for like 20 minutes which was strange b/c it definitely wasn't on last nite!

So i called our associate pastor who lives right behind me and in turn called the senior pastor who lives right across the road from me. We have been having problems with people coming into the church buildings and things going missing and we had a lot of difficulty this time last year with destructive damage being caused.

...So valid suspicions you might add...

So the Senior Pastor came over and we had a look at the lights from my house and we're looking thinking somebody is camping the nite up there or somebody is up there looking for something to take!

...When all of a sudden the light goes off... remember now...this is the attic light above the church offices! Not controlled by any other main light switches.

OK...so we're thinking somebody is definitely up there now...

CALL THE POLICE - 911 - 5 minutes later they show up

We watched to made sure nobody left the exits whilst he waited for backup and when it came we proceeded to enter the church.

SO, we go into the church... myself opening the door, 2 cops and the senior pastor. Senior Pastor goes to check the office doors are locked still and i went upstairs to check the attic light with the 2 police officers.We checked our church preschool was all locked up and the other 2nd floor rooms before looking up at the attic trap door...

...all of a sudden the church organ starts playing...

...and at this point there is like little light in the sanctuary...

SO WE RAN TO THE SANCTUARY... the cops and i ran to the sanctuary... police guys went downstairs and ran in with their guns out... I followed the 2^nd cop…and Senior Pastor comes in the back doors from the offices...

...next thing there is a guy at the organ and another in the middle of the sanctuary with their hands up...

CAUGHT RED-HANDED!!

Or so you would think

...IF they wherent meant to be there tuning the organ, bc it takes 10 hours to tune...and b/c some pipes can only be accessed from the attic!! So we managed to catch our organ tuners...red handed...doing the job we pay them to do...

Thankfully the Cops found it amusing as well and the Senior Pastor and I are still crying from laughing soo much...it was like a horror movie... going around this dark church when suddenly the organ begins to play...

The church is safe for another night! No need to thank us...all in a nights work! :)

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

Love is a Verb

2008-12-07T13:22:00.003-05:00

A little child,
A shining star.
A stable rude,
The door ajar.

Yet in that place,
So crude, folorn,
The Hope of all
The world was born.

So the candle this morning we lit on the advent wreath was the Love Candle. For my childrens sermon I shared with the young people and children how Love is very much a verb alot of the time. How just like we can jump and clap and shout and scream and whisper...we can also love. How 'Love' is not necessarily something we say but alot of the time it is something we DO.

We might say we love you...but let me SHOW YOU...

we might carry your bag,

or hold the door open,

or rake your leaves,

or share our lunch,

or share our pocket money,

or be a listening ear,

or cross the street to just say hello,

or only say positive things,

or pick you up when you're down,

or hug you when you need held,

or drive you out of our way to ensure you get home safe,

or text a note to ensure you're having a great day,

...or send our only Son into the World...not to condemn the world...but to save the World...so that we may have everlasting life!

It's true...God very much LOVES us...and God most certainly SHOWED it!

What a powerful verb Love is!

LOVE and Party Rings! SP x

Let is Snow...

2008-12-06T14:48:00.005-05:00

So if you regularly follow the blog...or if you know me personally...you will know how much I love snow. Now, I know that this is really only the first fall of the winter and there is much much more to fall before March. Since I got up this morning at 9:00...it has not stopped snowing...and it is now 3pm...so naturally, I took a couple of pics:

Love and Party Rings! SP x

tears

2008-12-05T11:39:00.002-05:00

So my laptop died last night...apparently I need a new hard drive. I am going to try and install it myself this afternoon...fingers crossed...

...if the power grid goes down around the Metro Detroit area...call for help! :)

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

My Christmas Decorations

2008-12-04T15:42:00.006-05:00

So I thought I would share a few pictures of my wonderful christmas decorations.

My Tree:

A Few of the Decorations:

The finished Tree:

My Festive Front Door:

I always love getting christmas decorations up...on my regular run around the neighbor hood currently the number of houses that have large complete houses decorated is ridiculous...if I am walking one day I will take some pictures...it is crazy!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

p.s.

Finally, I thought I would just throw one in of my entertainment system:

Santa the Imposter?

2008-12-03T17:52:00.002-05:00

I finally got some flights booked so I can be at home over the festive period...perhaps I just need Santa's sleigh and a reindeer:

1. No known species of reindeer can fly. BUT there are 300,000 species of living organisms yet to be classified, and while most of these are insects and germs, this does not completely rule out flying reindeer which only Santa has ever seen.

2. There are 2 billion children (persons under 18) in the world. BUT since Santa doesn't (appear) to handle the Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist children, that reduces the workload to 15% of the total--378 million according to the population reference bureau. At an average rate of 3.5 children per household (U.S. census, World Health Organization, UNICEF), that's 91.8 million homes. For the sake of our ensuing calculations we will assume there is at least one good child in each.

3. Santa has 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth, assuming he travels east to west (which seems logical) This works out to 822.6 visits per second. This is to say that for each Christian household with good children, Santa has 1.2 milliseconds to park, hop out of the sleigh, jump down the chimney, fill the stockings, distribute the remaining presents under the tree, eat whatever snacks have been left, get back up the chimney, get back into the sleigh and move on to the next house.

Assuming that Santa's sleigh does not undergo quantum tunneling behavior and that the 91.8 million stops are evenly distributed around the earth (which of course we know to be false but for the purposes of our calculations we will accept) we are now talking about 0.78 miles per household, a total trip of 75.5 million miles, not counting stops to do what most of us must do at least once every 31 hours.

This means that Santa's sleigh is moving at 650 miles per second, 3,000 times the speed of sound. For purposes of comparison, the fastest man-made vehicle, the Ulysses space probe, moves at a mere 27.4 miles per second. A conventional reindeer can run about 15 miles per hour unless being chased by a pack of wolves.

4. The payload on the sleigh adds another interesting element. Assuming that each child gets nothing more than a medium-sized Lego set (2 pounds), the sleigh is carrying 321,300 tons, not counting Santa, who is invariably described as overweight. On land, conventional reindeer can pull no more than approximately 500 pounds on a sleigh. Even granting that "flying reindeer" (see point 1) can in the absence of ground-based frictional forces pull TEN TIMES the normal amount, we cannot do the jot with eight or even nine reindeer. We need approximately 15O,000 reindeer. This increases the payload- not even counting the weight of the sleigh or Santa--to 353,430 tons.

For comparison, this is four times the weight of the Queen Elizabeth II. (the boat, not the person)

5. 353,430 tons traveling at 650 miles per second within the earth's atmosphere creates enormous air resistance, heating the reindeer up in the same fashion as spacecraft returning from orbit. The lead pair of reindeer will aborb 14.3 quintillion joules of energy per Second. Each. In short, they will burst into flame almost instantaneously, exposing the reindeer behind them, and create deafening sonic booms in their wake. The entire reindeer team will be vaporized within 4.26 milliseconds. Santa, meanwhile, will be subjected to centripetal forces 17,500 times greater tnan gravity. A 250 pound Santa (which seems ludicrously slim) would be pinned to the back of his sleigh by 4,315,015 pound of force.

I make no apologies for this being a repeat...I think its fun to think about!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

and the winner is...

2008-12-02T15:14:00.002-05:00

...God. The winner is always God.

However, the news is in and we got confirmation yesterday from my attorney that my R1 Visa extension has been approved. This is wonderful news as it does bring a peace of mind not just to me but also to the church.

I have been saying for the last several months now that I am at total ease with the decision. I trusted God enough to know that God's will would prevail and that ultimately I was willing to go where God might lead me. For now though...God's plans and my plans are similar...and I am excited by what lies ahead for me during the next year.

This also means I am planning a trip home for christmas...which is going to be fun...I haven't been home in 15 months now...and it will be awesome to see how things have changed and what has happened and is going on. I am also extremely looking forward to meeting up with peeps and all of that!

I said last week I don't really celebrate thanksgiving...but that does not mean I am not soo thankful for all of the opportunities God has lovingly given me and all of the wonderful people and places God has brought into my life. I am very thankful right now to be here in Allen Park and will look forward to what the year ahead brings!

Have a superb Advent!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Jesus v Santa

2008-12-01T12:29:00.001-05:00

Santa lives at the North Pole...
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh...
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year...
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies and wants...
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited...
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap...
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"...
JESUS knew our name before we were born. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly...
JESUS has a heart full of love

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO...
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys...
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree...
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree...the cross.

Love and Party Rings! SP x

30 posts in 30 days!

2008-11-30T16:49:00.003-05:00

So it has been 30 days...and 30 posts later...we have got there!

What a month November has been.

Today I got the opportunity to preach...I enjoyed it as it was the first sunday of Advent...I felt it was an ok sermon; some people said they really connected with it, which is funny...b/c i struggled at times to connect in my delivery (I feel that anyway!)

One thing is certain though...I do ALWAYS love the challenge and the opportunity to preach...I have a feeling I will do it many more times in my life! :)

After the 3 services, we put up the church christmas tree...it is at least 20 feet tall...and requires lots of scaffolding and precarious balancing to get it done...health and safety would not have been amused! I was proud though as the group that was assembling it...pulled together and we got there in the end!! I was also proud as I scaled the scaffolding and the tree itself...and my fear of heights didn't really get the better off me!

Finally, OU is no. 2 in the final BCS...that means there is gonna be alot of partying come beginning of january for BCS final...provided they overcome Missouri next week in the Big 12 Championship game! That does make me happy...Texas sucks! :)

I am even more excited today about Christmas than I was yesterday...we are predicted snow pretty soon; like in the next couple hours...fingers crossed!

I hope you have enjoyed the journey over the last 30 days...it's been fun!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Christmas Songs

2008-11-29T20:00:00.003-05:00

So the one thing I love about America is the particular radio station that allows me to listen to pure christmas music from November 1st. Now, whilst most here don't appreciate the songs until Thanksgiving is over...I on the other hand...have been singing and dancing away for the last month solid!!

Some of my favourites are: All I want for Christmas (Mariah Carey version!), Grandma got run over by a Reindeer, I want a hippo...for Xmas...plus pretty much every christmas song out there!!

I love my christmas songs...as of yesterday, the rest of America now agrees with me...and with thanksgiving in the past...it is time to begin the christmas preparation in earnest!

I tidied my house today and put up my tree and christmas decorations...I began to prepare...

...not just for christmas but for everything christmas means to me!

I also get to preach tomorrow...my title is: "Dashing through the Snow; on a word of hope we pray."

It will explore naturally, the first advent candle of hope...but also a little about how we get caught up in the preparation side of christmas and not the preparation side of advent! If you are interested, if you check back with the church website sometime next week, you should be able to check it out!

One more day left...and it will be December...plus, there is snow forecast for 2moro evening...I AM EXCITED!!

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

The Perfect Church

2008-11-28T13:22:00.004-05:00

I think that I shall never see
A church that's all it ought to be:
A church whose members never stray
Beyond the Strait and Narrow Way:

A church that has no empty pews,
Whose Pastor never has the blues,
A church whose Deacons always "deak,"
And none is proud, and all are meek:

Where gossips never peddle lies,
Or make complaints or criticize;
Where all are always sweet and kind,
And all to other's faults are blind.

How about you??

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T17:14:00.002-05:00

Well, for those that know me...you will probably know that when it comes to soccer (proper football) there is very little that holds me back from playing, or watching...or doing anything proper football related!

So, to get up at 8am and go and play in 25 degree F ( -4 C) on a frozen pitch...for the love of the game...was absolutely something I was not going to miss out on!

What a beautiful morning...and despite a little injury my knee and toe...it has been a wonderful day!

I am thankful for soo much...especially for the entertainment value of the detroit lions...

Have a wonderful day and remember everything that you should be thankful for in your own life!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

i can't complain!

2008-11-26T18:24:00.003-05:00

So I can only relate to this upon arriving in Michigan: (I wish!)

another nice pic from ASBO Jesus

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

funny video

2008-11-25T11:15:00.008-05:00

I loved this...is it any wonder some young people find some of the modern stuff boring...imagine when church was just like this!!

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

What is...

2008-11-24T19:47:00.002-05:00

What Is…

What is within …
What is within the depths of my soul …
What is …

What created what is.

What lies without …
What lies in the serenity of a morning
hike through the forest, along side a
mountain stream, slowly and steadily
cascading a bed of mountain stone.
What is mighty and majestic as
the roar and tumble of the ocean’s
tide at storm.
What is as gentle as the touch of the gardener,
tending the rose.

What is …

Gentle, Calm, Mighty,
and Majestic from the depths of my soul
to the world around me…

God is All-Surrounding.

Magnificent, Unfathomable, Astonishing…
His vastness is beyond comprehension…
His mercy unceasing …
His love…undying. (Robin M. Ferguson)

Just back from another 6 mile run...
I love the quiet calmness of an almost winter evening...
I love the quiet time to just think and run...
I love how often it takes a change of speed to clear your head...
or a change of surroundings...
or to just see surroundings from a different perspective...
I love...it all!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Lunch Time

2008-11-23T14:47:00.003-05:00

It is lunch time and I have an hour or so before Middle and High School Youth Connection, along with YC Choir and Youth Dinner between now and 8:30pm!

What a productive morning however. Not only did I enjoy communion at Worship today, along with Ushering with the High School young people during the 3rd service of Worship...

...13 of us then loaded up one of the church vans and we took several Thanksgiving Food Boxes downtown...we have been making the boxes over the last 2 weeks or so....they are being delivered to two families in downtown Detroit that really are not as fortunate as ourselves. It did give me the thought however, how we often end up working just to be congratulated and patted on the back for our efforts. How nice it was to make these boxes and not see how much it means to the family the box would go to. How nice it was to make the box and wrap it with Christ's love, care and prayers...and to leave it in Christ's hands that it would make a difference and that we might not see the impact of our works now...that doesn't mean they are wasted! I know the family that sits down to enjoy the foods we collected will enjoy it just as much as if we had brought them the box in person!

I often relate these small things to Youth Ministry sometimes. How often whilst we may not always get thanks and celebration for the efforts...that doesnt mean what we're doing isn't just as important. Infact, its more important...for the events we attend that we're able to sneak in and celebrate the wonderful talents of our young people that God has given them...for the times we're able to say that affirming word to build up and see the smile they carry with them for the rest of the day to wherever they may go!

I know that most of what I do in my Youth Ministry may not be making newspaper headlines right now all over the globe...but I also trust that through God's grace and with God's love...all of these young people are going to change lives and make a difference in this world...

...even if I never hear about it! :)

Love and Party Rings! SP x

American Football...

2008-11-22T17:44:00.003-05:00

...just confuses me sometimes. I think I would have been suited to have played it, I just am unsure as to what is deemed a legitimate defence block/tackle and what is not!

On the up side, just back from a wonderful tailgate partA...the garage was converted into a giant TV, the fire heaters along with the BBQ and Frier were out...and there was plenty of food, drink and smiles!

Even though it was 20 degrees (fahrenheit) outside, it was still very enjoyable!

Michigan lost, Michigan State are just about to lose...and I am ready to sit back in my nice warm house and watch Oklahoma hopefully win! Fingers crossed!

My xmas tree is ready to be setup this week...and I am preaching next weekend! I am looking forward to it! I am just about ready for some more snow now! :)

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Impossible is Nothing

2008-11-21T14:34:00.002-05:00

How I love the world impossible. I was watching TV a little earlier this week and on the TV show (The Biggest Loser) the trainer shouted at somebody ..."You can stand there and CHOOSE to not live up to the potential God has given you and you can CHOOSE not to go ahead and do it...but don't ever tell me that you can't...but you have to believe you can!"

The following was taken from a Nike commercial:

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."

Oh how I rejoice at the limitless opportunities open to us if we just focus our minds and dedicate our energies!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

If, If, If...

2008-11-20T17:11:00.002-05:00

taken from ASBO JESUS

If, If, If, If, If... What a funny two little word on which we place so many hopes and dreams!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Selflessness vs Selfishness

2008-11-19T14:04:00.001-05:00

Okay, so selfishness.

It's consuming.

Sometimes I wonder how people can be so selfish..... but I know that in thinking I am the selfless one, that's a lie. I can think back to many times when selfishness got the best of me.

I am in a position this year, where I can't be selfish. And honestly, it's hard sometimes.

I think the fact that it is hard for me to be in a position where I can't be selfish.... is me being selfish.

Father, I know you have placed me right where I am for a reason. Please let me rejoice that You are teaching me a lesson, regardless of how painful that lesson is. Please be my overflow and my love to those around me. I need You to fill me and help me to see so much of your love, that there is no way for me to be selfish. Father, forgive me. Again and again you are teaching me that it is kindness that leads to repentance - thank you for your kindness and selflessness. Help me to extend that kindness and selflessness to those around me. It is kindness that leads to repentance, not bitterness or anger. Help me to be kind to those around me, so that they may come closer to You. I love You.... thank you so much for loving me.

Love and Party Rings! SP x

el cheapo

2008-11-18T16:45:00.002-05:00

Whilst out driving some of the Presbyterian Ladies home from a luncheon they had this afternoon, I noticed some gas for...

... $1.78 a gallon...

...that works out at roughly 1 pound and 16 pence a gallon...

...that equates to roughly 30 pence a liter!

How I love American Gas Prices!!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Detroit Red Wings

2008-11-17T22:45:00.004-05:00

Well it has snowed off and on all day 2day...I love it! I hope there is much, much more snow to come this winter!

What I love just as much as snow (or perhaps just a little bit less) is going to see the Detroit Red Wings play. We got tickets tonight from a very generous person and off we went to watch the Red Wings crush the Oilers. You always knew it was going to be a good game when there is a fight in the first minute!! To be fair to the Wings, this set the pace for the rest of the game and the 2008 Stanley Cup Champions turned on the style tonight to win 4-0. The only thing better than watching them live is watching them only a few rows from the ice, at the centre ice point!! What an enjoyable evening! Now, if only Liverpool could pick up a few tips on how to destroy teams like that...

Love and Party Rings! SP x

News Article

2008-11-16T20:58:00.000-05:00

Did anyone else read this article? I hope to blog on it 2moro:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7732290.stm

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Red v Blue Gas

2008-11-15T16:20:00.002-05:00

This is a funny 2 minute video that talks about gas prices...this had tears in my eyes from laughing!!

red vs blue

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Passion

2008-11-14T21:13:00.004-05:00

We all have different passions...some of us scream and shout over 'football' games...some of us line up for hours to see our favorite bands and groups...some of us like to make things...some of us like to take pictures...some of us want to spread love...some of us want to sing and dance all day long...some of us want to put everyone else first...but I wonder how many of us actually has a passion to want to make a difference; change a life!

I was out running tonight and over the last month or so I have seen Halloween decorations come and go, I have seen giant inflatables rise and fall and I have seen tremendous amounts of energy into this 'fun.' Oh, how it saddens me to think how so often we are quick to neglect the important things around us.

How much easier it is for us to spend time and energy on putting up halloween/thanksgiving/4th july/new year/christmas decorations than to give up ONE HOUR a Week for something like KIDS HOPE and mentor a young school child that is at risk.

How it saddens me to see people willing to drive hours on end to line up for several more hours to see some of their favorite singers...but ask them to give up ONE HOUR a Week and go to their local school to be a KIDS HOPE MENTOR and they look at you funny!

How it is disturbing to see large numbers of parents willing to let their children drink alcohol or go see an movie when they are underage...but ask somebody to become a role model, somebody that is looked up to, somebody who can give guidance and support and be a living example of Christ's love for ONE HOUR a Week...and they struggle!

I love the line in one of the Kids Hope training videos...what it means to be a Pastor/Christian..."and that is to serve and to give ourselves to our community."

How the world would be such a different place if we all picked out somebody that was younger than us and decided that we are going to be their shining light, their encouraging voice and their strength when they are weak!

Who is your person going to be that you're going to support and be a role model for today?

Love and Party Rings! SP x

One Wish...

2008-11-13T21:22:00.003-05:00

...I will give you one wish and do my best to make it happen...what is your one wish?

Love and Party Rings! SP x

A.S.A.P

2008-11-12T13:18:00.002-05:00

There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

Love and Party Rings! SP x

It's getting closer to the time...

2008-11-11T12:56:00.001-05:00

This picture made me smile and got me thinking a little bit about the Xmas period:

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Presbytery of Detroit Youth Mix 2008

2008-11-10T14:07:00.008-05:00

So the weekend saw my 2nd Presbytery of Detroit Youth Mix...but my first that wasn't at Alma College. We stayed at Camp Michindoh (marked B on the Map), about 90 minutes away from Detroit (marked A on the Map)....hopefully you can also see how much Michigan is shaped like a mitten as well from the map!

There was 15 of us in total from Allen Park Presbyterian and about 115 young people from all over the Presbytery. We had a wonderful weekend of energizers, small group studies and discussions, lots of games, an indoor campfire and even a bed in the cabins this year...it was luxury!

The theme for the event was 'Finding Faith' and was based very much around the wonderful passage found in Hebrews 11:1. The guest speaker for the weekend was Rev. William Grimbol, from Shelter island Presbyterian Church, New York, and whilst I didn't agree with everything he said, he was informative, had a range of stories and was interesting to listen to!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

words...

2008-11-09T17:13:00.003-05:00

I am home from the Presbytery Youth Mix...I shall update about it tomorrow or later in the week. For now I came across these beautiful lyrics from a song. I hope they inspired thoughts within you as much as they did me!

The Best is Yet to come

All this time,

I've wasted days

I've heard all my life...

"Just you wait"

Then one day I heard your voice

I let go and believed.

The best is yet to come

I'm looking toward tomorrow

the gift of a new day...

The blessings that will follow

I'm trusting in your word;

I'm leaning on your truth;

All along you knew

The best was yet to come

It's all clear

God wants nothing less

than each of us near

and to live our best

I've surrendered without warning...

All I have and all I'm holding.

So when I'm in that place

each of us are some days...

Where hope is hard to see,

seems the darkness covers me

Hold on to the Savior

who came to save us

I will hold on to the savior

who came to save us

Hold on. (~Celia Whitler)

Love and Party Rings! SP x

2008-11-08T21:47:00.002-05:00

Mobile post sent by pointy007 using Utterli. Replies. mp3

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Some Visa News

2008-11-07T15:42:00.004-05:00

So for those that follow the blog...you will get the hot inside:

I was sitting in my office at lunchtime today, getting ready for the weekend and the many things that are coming ahead! When all of a sudden I got a call to say that " There is a lady from Immigration here for you." Sudden thoughts that crossed my mind...do I have time to pack...can I get my coat...is this it?!

It turns out that the lady was there to conduct a 'Compliance Site Visit' in regard to my application. She surprises the people by turning up unnannounced and then proceeds to question people in trying to establish the church and my ministry within the church.

Now, whilst I won't go into details on here...it in no way gives me a definitive answer in regard to my application...however...it is another step to what will hopefully be a resolution in the runup to Christmas or shortly there after!

My heart is pounding and my emotions are high currently...time to slow down again and leave it in God's hands!

Please do pray for the lady that visited and pray for all those that the application is in the hands off!

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

Worlds First Soccer Game

2008-11-06T12:31:00.002-05:00

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Victory Party

2008-11-05T15:57:00.012-05:00

So last night saw me attending a Democratic Victory Party. All of the Pictures can be found here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=48108&l=f832c&id=508635686

Here is just a taste of the night:

Myself, Matt and Mary-Beth (Melodie's Friends) @ our destination...

There was alot of people...along with TV and media...

The place went Crazy as soon as California was declared and projected Democrat

There was lots of Obama pictures and drawings all around the wall...so I stood in front of one!

I was given these stickers when we went to the Private suite upstairs to spend time with the lady being elected County Clerk!

What a night of emotions...but what an awesome election!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

I cried...

2008-11-04T19:06:00.001-05:00

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Voting Day

2008-11-04T14:19:00.005-05:00

So...I can't vote...but I can be a nerd and just love the coverage, the polls, the analysis and the Campaign HQ party I am heading to later!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Something that puzzles me

2008-11-03T17:19:00.004-05:00

So I am currently confused about this whole JR and Russell Brand phone call.

If you have been living under a rock for the last 3 weeks, get caught up here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7694989.stm

But to be honest, I am not sure what all the fuss is about. OK, I don't approve of any of what was said. I don't think it is right to disrespect and trash anyone's family. I think it was vile and disgusting everything that they said. However, this is the kind of lowlife, degrading humor Brand goes for with every single show he has ever done. This is why I have always chosen never to watch him! My confusion lies in what makes this 'episode' of swamp humor any different from everything else he has ever done?!

He should have quit a loooong time ago...preferrably before he even started!

I think what is worse is that nobody in a position of power ever had the common sense to remove Brand before this even started.

Shame on him for saying some of the cruel vile jibes he speaks. Moreso, shame on the BBC for allowing this trash to stay on our screens until it actually offends someone and goes too far. finally, Shame on society for getting us to a point where the only laughs we can have, are at the expense of other people!

Love and Party! SP x

30 posts in 30 days!

2008-11-02T21:00:00.003-05:00

Do you sometimes wish you knew yourself as well as God does? That's how I feel right now. I don't understand so many things about myself. It would take forever to talk about all that's going through my head, but I think you get what I'm trying to say. I just wish I understood why I do certain things, say certain things, react a certain way to what goes on around me. Is there anyone else out there who knows where I'm coming from?

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Month of October

2008-11-01T17:16:00.005-04:00

So the weight loss is coming along...I am now 42 pounds down on my summer weight. Included is a chart of my calories burned against the dates in October. I ran a total of 71.5 miles in October:

Love and Party Rings! SP x

I saw what I saw

2008-10-30T14:43:00.003-04:00

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

october 26th update

2008-10-26T19:15:00.002-04:00

Mobile post sent by pointy007 using Utterli. Replies. mp3

my eyes are small

but they have seen

the beauty of

enormous things

But it never ceases to amaze me how I can let things distract me. Even the things I know I'm prone to let carry me away. There are good and great things in this life, but He is better.

Our safety, joy, fulfillment, and wholeness are found in allowing God to completely invade our through and through. Nothing withheld. Nothing off-limits. No part of our lives from birth to death. No part of our beings from conscious to subconscious. No part of our minds. No part of our emotions. Through and through.

May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.--1 Thess. 5:23

LOve and Party Rings! SP x

Elusive Entitlement

2008-10-22T23:17:00.002-04:00

Comfort. How elusive it is.

I was sitting and thinking the other day...I came to a realization that ever since God gave me the strength to begin to truly lay my life down for Him on a daily basis, life hasn't been easy. It's been full of tribulations and persecutions. Don't get me wrong, I have been more hopeful and alive in these past years during the tribulations and persecutions than I ever was before... but it hasn't been an easy ride.

As Christians why do we seek comfort of this world? Jesus left Heaven. I don't know about you, but that statement blows my mind. JESUS LEFT HEAVEN. He left Heaven for 33 years to come down to this Earth to die the most brutal death ever invented, for your sake and for my sake. He left the comfort of Heaven and readily chose the discomfort of this Earth and the Cross. Meditate on that for a second and then honestly ask yourself if we "deserve" the comfort on this Earth that we so often feel we are entitled to.

He was persectued. If we are truly following Him, so will we be.

Are you, am I, willing to lay down our comfort at His feet for the sake of His glory? He was willing to lay down His our sake.

A quote from the Heavenly Man, a book I just recently finished reading.

"Don't pray for the persecution to stop! We shouldn't pray for a lighter load to carry, but a stronger back to endure! Then the world will see that God is with us, empowering us to live in a way that reflects his love and power. This is true freedom!" Brother Yun

Love and Party Rings! SP x

smack, bang wallop

2008-10-19T13:49:00.002-04:00

It has been a looooooong week. I am tired...just got back from camp yesterday after a whirlwind visit there with some of our college young people! I shall post some pics later!

The week has also seen some soccer played...lots of soccer watched...lots of work being done...the cooler air is here...I'm sorry I ever complained about the warm weather! I am ready for the snow though...I'm considering putting my christmas tree up....what do people think?

Things should be a little calmer now this week...I really hate halloween...boo hiss!

I am up to 38 pounds lost now on this diet and running about 15 miles a week now, which is fun...but I'm feeling better for it!

Anyone still alive out there?

Love and Party Rings! SP x

run Stevie run

2008-10-11T17:04:00.002-04:00

Well it has been a nice couple of days. By nice, I don't necessarily mean enjoyable and without trials. There has been some difficult challenges over the last couple of days...but I feel strengthened and positive by it all.

I am just home from a run. I ran 4 miles today. I am regularly running (4 or 5 times a week) now as well which is making me feel great. Weight watchers is working! I have been on it 6 weeks and my weight loss with the programme is 26 pounds and now since the summer it is 38 pounds! Of course I feel better for it...the strange thing is, I can't understand why Ive never had the motivation to do it before...strange!

Another laborious England victory today against Borat-land...but then again I think they are replicating my current soccer form also. For those that now me, I am usually my harshest critic, but I can't be anything other than disappointed in my last couple of performances on the field...ok, so I scored 5 goals...but I'm lacking some confidence which will return no doubt...hopefully sooner rather than later!

Work is fun still...which is nice to still say a year on...high school soccer season is coming to a close and halloween is upon us...the local drugs store is selling some wonderful McCain, Obama and Palin masks...I'm not sure which one ot purchase yet!! Any ideas?

Hope everyone is keeping well? Any exciting plans going on up until Xmas? If you get bored any day, drop me a line!

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

American Politics

2008-10-07T12:08:00.001-04:00

Ok...so I know I havent been real vocal on too much American Politics recently...but I came across this video and once you get past the first minute or so I think it makes a whole lot of sense! Watch the entire video before judging it!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

L 2 the Pool

2008-10-01T16:08:00.003-04:00

Oh its nice to be able to turn away from a Liverpool game for 5 minutes safe in the knowledge theyre not going to lose this one! :)

I weighed in again today and I have now lost 21 pounds on Weight Watchers in the last 5 weeks and am 34 pounds down from what I was July. Im getting there slowly but surely...I am not far away from being "overweight" rather than "obese"...according to the experts neway!

More soccer soon I hope...scored a hat trick on my debut last week playing some indoor 6 v 6 for a a team...hopefully more of the same soon!

Hope y'all are keeping well!
Love and Party Rings! SP x

The beauty of the Lord...

2008-09-27T14:54:00.002-04:00

The beauty of the Lord is that we already have God's love and there is nothing we can do to earn it anymore or any less than we already have it!

What a reassuring statement that is and one which I have clung firmly to since my arrival here exactly a year ago. It has been exactly a year since I arrived in Allen Park, I got off the plane last year and headed straight to homecoming football game...and thats exactly what last nite was!

Only, as much as I make fun at times of some of the silly American traditions, I really liked the idea of homecoming. I really liked the Homecoming parade yesterday afternoon, I really liked the face that thousands lined the street to cheer on the high school band, high school young people and I really liked the effort the young people put into it all with their floats and everything! What I really liked was the sense of a community that irregardless of who you are within the community, you could enjoy and celebrate and support the young people of that community- past and present!

The football game didn't go so well...but the nite wasn't about the football game. On the otherhand, on Wednesday I made it to watch the High School Soccer team...and they won...which is clear evidence soccer dominates football anyday!

Alot has happened in the last week...I got the opportunity to preach last sunday, which went reasonably well I think...it was also Camp Sunday so we had lots of videos and presentations and stuff. It was a stressful week in the buildup...but a nice way to put closure on the camp for the summer!

As for the weight loss...I have officialy lost 30 pounds now since July. I'm getting there...I'm also up to running everyday...which is good motivation! My dream of pulling on that red Liverpool Shirt and playing one day isn't dead quite yet!

Aside from that...I'm hoping for a quieter weekend...things have been busy to date and Monday will signal a welcomed day off---and some apple picking I believe at an Apple Orchard!

Hope everyone is well and working/studying hard! Please do drop a line and keep in touch!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

been couple hundred hours...

2008-09-21T22:44:00.003-04:00

...well alot has happened over the last 8 days...

...it has been an incredible week though...

...Camp Sunday came and went...I got the opportunity to preach, which isn't as awesome as God speaking to people...

...we had our first couple nights of Youth Connection...

...and words have been ten a penny the last week...

...i lost another 5 pounds at weight watchers...so since july ive now lost 28 pounds!

...for those that don't know yet...which is alot...my visa extension has got denied and so we are working on a new application currently...im allowed to stay in the country even though my old one will have expired...but please keep me...but more importantly the church and young people in your thoughts and prayers...we hope for a decision around christmas time... (if you wanna know more drop an email and Ill fill ya in)

...aside from that...God is Love!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

a new video...

2008-09-13T19:15:00.001-04:00

Love and Party Rings! SP x

...in the end...

2008-09-12T15:42:00.002-04:00

WHOA...so it has been a long week...trying to get everything back up and running again has drained me. However there was one event that stood out for me this week and quite simply nothing comes close to the impact it had on me...

...on Tuesday evening 16 young people stood before a joint meeting of all the boards and session and affirmed their faith to be accepted as a full member into APPC ...

...this was infact the Confirmation Class that had just completed a years worth of study, learning, growth, mission and serving...

...it always touches me when somebody, anybody proclaims their faith...

...but at 15 and16 years old...it touches me even more, there was many tears on Tuesday night (I promise for me it was only because I had something stuck in my eye!!)...and rightfully so!

Each and everyone of those guys can be extremely proud of themselves...of what they have done...and of the future that lies in front of them!

Well Done guys!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

reflection

2008-09-07T15:20:00.002-04:00

So this weekend has been incredible and busy. Here is just a recap:

-The kick-off for the youth connection programmes with an all-nighter Friday evening.
-Hiring out a local gymnastics center and one of the Universities sportsplex to do some 3am swimming!
- Seeing close to 60 sleepy heads at breakfast saturday morning!
- Having our 3 services again back.
-Having 26 people at our morning high school bible study group
-The church picnic after the 3rd service- complete with potluck dinner, band and clown!
- Feeling at home with where God has led me to!
-Trusting in what God has in store for me!

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

Weight Watchers

2008-09-04T23:18:00.002-04:00

So its true...as of last week I signed up for Weight Watchers. When I say "I" I really mean there is at least 5 people on office staff that are doing it! Including myself, the senior pastor and the associate pastor whom with we are doing it together!!

Yesterday was my first weigh in...so 5 pounds was lost! This brings my total loss since end of June to 17 pounds!

My total aim this time is 25 pounds...which would be 37 pounds since middle of June.

Its nice to have a goal and feel re-energized and re-vitalized again!

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

p.s. I'm sharing this for you guys to hold me accountable!!

Why I hate Harry Potter...

2008-09-01T00:03:00.004-04:00

I came across this article on this site:

http://www.habitationofjustice.com/i-hate-harry-potter-and-the-christian-morons-who-adore-him

"I hate that kid. I hate his nerdy glasses, I hate his friends, I hate his friend’s friends, and I hate his stupid broom too.

But worst of all, I hate people who are willing to camp out for days at their local bookstores just so they can get the latest and greatest copy of the book starring, whose else, but that wand wielding little twerp.

I mean seriously people, what is this? Get a frakking life already.

Honestly, it’s not that I’m opposed to the idea of reading the Harry Potter series (or watching the movies), and getting a cheap thrill out of doing so. But when I see you wearing the wizard hat and pulling up your bedsheets with its Harry Potter icons while you snuggle down with one of J.K. Rowling’s books for a good read, (and you’re in your 40s for crying out loud), I don’t see someone who merely has a hobby he or she loves. I see someone who’s gone completely around the bend and is a prime candidate for drugs and lots of therapy.

And this is just the Christians I’m talking about. Really, tell me if you don’t find this obsession just a little bit disconcerting.

I really don’t get this. Maybe it’s because overhyped fiction has always been a turnoff for me, a personality trait that also proved to be one of the reasons why I’ve never seen the movie Titanic either. Whatever everybody and their mother did, I tended to do the exact opposite, if for no other reason than just to maintain my individuality. Worldly fads simply didn’t appeal to me, and following after it with any degree of enthusiasm always left a bad taste in my mouth.

And yet Christians go bonkers just as much as the world does whenever there’s word that a new book or film is coming out. So let me ask you Christian Potterheads: why does Harry Potter, a fictional character no less, thrill you and move you more than Christ does? Why isn’t it enough to simply read one of the books in the series and go, “Hmm, that was interesting?”

Nope, can’t stop there. You have to camp out at bookstores, turn your bedroom into a museum of Harry Potter paraphernalia, scream like a banshee at people who threaten to reveal spoilers, and whenever you get the chance to talk about it, (which is every 5 seconds), it’s Harry this and Harry that, and Harry, Harry, Harry, HarryHarryHarryHarry…

Obsessed, MUCH? Some of you I swear need to get a good smack upside the head… with by a 2×4.

Do you not see anything wrong with this at all? Do you not even feel a teensy weensy bit embarassed? Forget about the witchcraft and the occultic elements and the controversy therein. This is about taking a hobby and pushing it to the point of obsession, an obsession that even goes so far as attempting to demonstrate Christian symbolism in Rowling’s works, as if by doing so it would somehow be seen as a validation of sorts for Christians to continue obsessing over literature that revolves around magic and witchcraft.

Please. I’m sure I myself could find Christian imagery in the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show if I looked hard enough. “Ooooooo, see Rocky flying and coming to save Bullwinkle?? Just like the Lord Jesus came to save us!”

In the end, I have to say there’s something truly disconcerting about living in a world where not having read a single Harry Potter book makes ME the weird one. "

Love and PArty Rings !SP x

mullings

2008-08-29T13:59:00.002-04:00

So life just hasn't slowed down for a couple of days after a long summer, in particular at church camp!

My parents returned home, the English Premier League has started up again...but yet still something sticks. This is my prayer today:

"I need a little extra steam today, Lord.
It seems that I've been spinning wheels.
Everyone else acknowledges my accomplishments, but I am stuck looking at what didn't turn out just right.
I'm not sure why I am discouraged at times, but I just feel a little "blah".

I know that you are the author of joy and fulfillment.
I've done what I can do to try to feel more energized.
Now I'm asking for your help to "keep on keeping on."

Amen

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

Obama and Biden

2008-08-23T15:39:00.005-04:00

So the news is in:

It's a Biden and Obama ticket! Barack, yet again, has just pulled a master stroke and in my eyes guaranteed himself the presidency!

Joe Biden is exactly what Obama needs for his campaign. He is going to bring attack and bite. He is going to bring comedy and he is going to tell it like it is! Yes he is arrogant and self-centered...but he has been in the senate longer than McCain and he has a more established record! I believe he understands Foreign Policy... He is a happy warrior!! It is the perfect image for the campaign!

Obama and Biden 08! That ticket gets my non-existant vote!

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

Steven Curtis Chapman

2008-08-22T00:35:00.004-04:00

I'm not sure how much you listen to Christian music...now don't misunderstand...because for me there is a massive difference between music by Christian artists and Christian music with a message by Christian artists...music that is ultimately praise and brings me closer to God. If you keep up to date...you have more than likely come across Steve Curtis Chapman. One of the greatest Christian singer/songwriters ever. For those that keep in touch with the news they will more than likely have heard the sad news that happened in May of this year regarding Steven:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/news/2008/sccfamily.html

Now, I sat and watched a Larry King interview with the family over the weekend. It just struck me the humility and grace with which this family not only accepted things but glorified God through it all.

During this interview Steven said: "We don't have answers, we don't have explanations, but we do have a comfort. There are lots of people suffering in the world...but God is their comfort."

Now, that doesn't mean they didn't have anger, that doesn't mean they totally understand what happened...what it does mean...is that they totally trust God with their own lives, they totally understand that, like Job, through the most difficult situations, God loves us and brings us through difficulties even stronger.

Oh how I pray and wish for so many people to take a lesson from the Curtis Chapman family. To learn what it is to embrace God during times of need rather than lash out. To learn what it is to glorify God through our actions rather than blame God for consequences of our own actions.

The song below is a song Steven wrote in memory of Maria Sue:

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

Teenage Bill of Rights

2008-08-18T00:56:00.001-04:00

TEENAGE BILL OF RIGHTS:

"We the teens, in order to form a righteous generation, raise our voice in one accord to set the direction for this generation...

When so many leaders of our society refuse to lead in truth,

When those who sell us goods do so solely for their own financial gain, despite the toll their "goods" might take on us,

When those who have shaped our society often hold no moral compass through which to guide us into the future,

When the majority with celebrity influence take no responsibility for their position as role models and influencers,

When honesty and truth are scorned and manipulated by many of leaders in high offices and integrity is regarded as weakness,

When character is mocked by the media and our leaders are afraid to take a moral stand because it might be unpopular,

When rebellion is the norm and seen as a right to be demanded.

When corruption in society threatens the very foundation upon which it was built.

It is necessary for us, as teens, to redefine our society and lay claim to our right to bring truth to our generation.

We take it upon ourselves to rise up and call our generation to a higher standard.

A standard:

not built by polls, but on principle,

not based on what feels good, but on what is good,

not built on what is cool, but on what is correct,

not built on what is convenient, but on character,

not based on what is easy, but on what is excellent,

not built on what is popular, but on what is prudent,

not built on what everyone else thinks, but on what God thinks,

not built on Hollywood, but on honor.

We, as a young generation, assert our right to set the pace for our own generation. We refuse to be led by those who are morally bankrupt.

With this in mind, we commit to shape our society and world accordingly:

We will live with Honor, making the most honorable decision, even when we could try to justify less than honorable behavior.
We will be Honest and tell the truth in matters large and small, even when it is hard, and even when it hurts.
We will take Responsibility for our actions and not look to government, schools, or other authorities to justify our wrong decisions. We will take responsibility for our mistakes.
We will commit to have Families where both parents are present; our word will be our bond at the altar.
We will commit to love Purity. We will not be seduced by the world's idea of sex and love. We will save our body and hearts for the one we will marry.
We will find the Purpose for that which we were created, so we can live our lives to the fullest potential.
We will see through the lie of Drugs and Alcohol, and refuse to let any chemical influence our thinking and destroy our lives.
We will Respect the authorities God has placed in our lives, even though some may have character that we do not admire. We realize that all authority comes from God. We refuse to subvert our parents or other authority figures.
We will work Relentlessly to ensure that Every Person in our generation has the opportunity to hear about a relationship with God in a way that they can understand.
We will care about the rest of the world. We Refuse to be absorbed with ourselves and our own comforts, but determine to find our place in reaching the world.

In signing, we as young people, commit to life a life that exemplifies these standards as we lead our generation to high moral ground.

As adults, we sign to express our commitment to stand with the youth as they lead their generation to the highest standard of Honor.

Posted from Tom LeClerc's Inspirational Stories"

We need to start realising...its ok to stand against some things!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

97 days without soccer!

2008-08-15T21:50:00.002-04:00

well...just home from Canada...got to see the Niagra falls and Toronto...can't say I was overly impressed by either...its also full of french people...enuff said! *cough cough*

my parents are over and have been since middle of July...they leave this wednesday and I will be back to my single little self again!

the summer has been crazy...I just love my job and have enjoyed the busy busy summer...september is about to be even busier...but its all good!! :)

What is everyone else up 2?...just remember Premier League starts again 2moro....SWEET!

Soccer until May again...does life get ne better?!

Come on the Liverpool!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

sooooo...

2008-08-03T22:44:00.002-04:00

sooo....

.... Montreat Youth Conference rocks...

...not only does the conference itself rock...

...not only do the small groups rock...

...not only do 1200 american young people rock...

...not only does awesome praise rock...

...but my high school young people rock and I love them!

Just remember, the Jesus in me loves the Jesus in you!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

the next couple weeks

2008-07-26T13:45:00.003-04:00

well this is what the next couple of weeks look like:

...a week at Montreat Youth Conference, North Carolina...

...FINAL practice round of the US PGA at Oakland Hills...

...Detroit Tigers baseball game to watch them continue their current winning ways...

...parents arriving for few weeks...

...couple nights at Niagra Falls and few nights in Toronto...

...a decision on my Visa extension...

I am ready to chill and have fun for the next few weeks!

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

p.s. this is Liverpools season...if you disagree, post me a comment before August 2nd and I will buy you a lunch next summer if you're right!

tired and exhausted

2008-07-24T18:33:00.002-04:00

It has felt like forever...I am very tired but unmeasurably strengthened and blessed!

Three weeks of camp have come to an end and I am home fora day before heading to Montreat Youth Conference in North Carolina on saturday.

Here is a recap of some of the things that have challeneged, strengthened, pushed and stretched me over the last 3 weeks:

- Running out of gas
- Power cuts and no water as a result
- Sending campers home from camp early
- Having my windshield smashed by a falling tree branch during a storm
- Mosquitoes!
- Staffing issues

Here is a brief recap of some of the things that have helped me grow over the last 3 weeks:

- Seeing over 120 people come through those camp gates
- Remembering how much fun it is to be between 8 and 13 yrs old
- Swimming and boating on the lake
- Understanding God never once abandoned me
- Feeling loved and welcomed by most
- Feeling blessed in working for God
- Enjoying spending time with lots of fun adults and young people!

How's everyone else enjoying their summer?

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

home for a day

2008-07-12T19:57:00.003-04:00

So im home for a day after 5/6 grade camp before heading back up to Camp tomorrow morning until July 24th.

Stevie Rocks!

Jesus Saves!

Mosquitoes suck! (literally)

Camp is where the kewl kids are @!

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

priority

2008-07-04T23:57:00.002-04:00

I got asked recently if I organised my wardrobe in any particular order, how ridiculously silly...

...everyone should know my football jerseys have pride of place and will over rule everything esle in my wardrobe!

Happy 4th of July!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

The sequel

2008-06-28T13:34:00.001-04:00

For those that remember this post:

http://stevepointon.blogspot.com/2006/11/charlie-unicorn.html

Here is the sequel...it had me laughing alot also:

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

funny funny video

2008-06-25T22:00:00.003-04:00

This video rocks (thanks to Clare for highlighting it!)

I've really been thinking over the past 2 weeks about the beautiful world we live in. I am currently sitting in my house after having just played soccer in a thunder storm and heavy rain! We have had thunder storms pretty much every day in the last 2 weeks but I just love how the world looks right after a thunder storm. It is soo clean and fresh!

What a world!!

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

Finally....

2008-06-22T22:01:00.002-04:00

I am finally home from our week long Mission trip to Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Let me share a few facts about it:

- We had 27 on the team
-We were an intergenerational team
-Our oldest person was 60+ and our youngest was 6 years old
-We slept in a youth house based with Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church
-Some did Habitat for humanity, some did Ronald McDonald, some did Cross House and Safe Harbor
-We went to an Amish town one day to learn about Amish culture and giggled at the names of the towns!
-We went to Hershey Park and rode roller coasters and saw how Hershey chocolate was made (not real chocolate mind...but we got to sample!)
-We broke down in a Ghetto where the weekend previous 2 people had been shot dead
-We got into the PA Capitol building
-Ghettsyburg was visited by some
-Melodie and myself co-led the team
- I learnt some new American games and songs and they learnt some from back home!
-We worked, we laughed, we made new friends and we had an awesome week.
-Young adults and young people never cease to amaze me!!

I love when God is just present in your week and you feel the Spirit working through EVERYONE on your team!

I love my job! :)

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

Life

2008-06-11T10:55:00.002-04:00

Life is a challenge, accept it
Life is a wish, want it
Life is a book, read it and observe
Life is a fight, battle it
Life is a tear, face it
Life is a smile, enjoy it and embrace
Life is a game, play it
Life is a journey, complete it
Life is a ruler, measure it
Life is a sunrise.begin it
Life is a sunset, hold it
Life is a treasure, save all you can
(Golden Heart)

Well life recently has felt like a journey.

It has been a difficult, challenging, fun, jovial, awkward, exciting, tiring, rewarding, sporadic, surviving, energetic, tear filled, annoying, spiritual, God-led, decisively indecisive, frustrating, smiling, hard working past 10 days!

So camp is almost upon us. We leave for Mechanicsburg, PA this Sunday on an 8 day mission trip. We have a team of 30 made up of the youngest being 6 years old all the way to the oldest being 60+. Melodie and myself are leading the trip and we are both very excited about the potential that lies ahead. We will be staying in a church in Pennsylvania, working for 5 days at Habitat for Humanity or in a house for the mentally impaired. We will spend an afternoon in an Amish community and we will spend a day at Hershey World (not real chocolate though!!)

I love the way things happen just before you leave that when they happen, frustrate you incredibly. However, when you reflect and meditate on them, you realize it is God's sign of making you stronger for the challenges ahead!

I don't necessarily feel strong for the trip, but I feel strength in why I'm doing the trip.

I'm excited...I'll take some pictures! BTW, I have had a couple of real difficulties with people this week trying to understand me...so i want it noted, the accent is still there! :)

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Me and Jesus

2008-06-01T23:05:00.005-04:00

c/o Stellar Kart

When there's nowhere else to turn
All your bridges have been burned
Feels like you've hit rock bottom
Don't give up it's not the end
Open up your heart again
When you feel like no one
Understands where you are

[chorus]
Someone loves you even when you don't think so don't you know you got
Me and Jesus by your side through the fight you will never be alone on your own you got me and jesus

After all that we've been through
Be now you know i've doubted too
But everytime my head was in my
Hands you siad to me
Hold on to what we got
This is worth any cost so
Make the most of life
That's borrowed
Love like there's no tomorrow

Someone loves you even when you don't think so...WHAT A FEELING!

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

update

2008-05-28T11:13:00.004-04:00

Life is busy, busy, busy!

Things within the calendar programming year are slowly winding down. Just a couple more things and I can say that the first year of programmes is done with! We are intensely building 2wards the summer season now. Not only is it looking to be busy...but I am soooooo freaking excited by it!

By excited I mean totally scared of the opportunities...but by excited I also mean just willing to let God work as God's will unfolds and requires!

This last weekend there was a group of 45 of us up at the church camp for a work weekend. Lots of work was done and even time was made for a little swim...the camp is just about ready for the summer. We installed a new kitchen floor and wall, cleaned the roofs of the dorms and even got the waterfront ready!

I am debating a hair colour change...so if anyone has any suggestions then I will be happy to listen! Im running low on ideas currently!

Anyway...does anyone have any exciting summer plans in the works? Let me know!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

p.s. Whys is it that American television has endless commercials and after each commercial break there is a 1 minute recap on what just happened 3 minutes earlier...are some Americans really that stupid?

be inspired!

2008-05-23T12:00:00.001-04:00

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Do you ever...

2008-05-21T13:33:00.004-04:00

Do you ever get thankful of being able to work?

Do you ever feel frustrated by what you can tell people only in your head and not in person?

Do you ever just sit and ponder for a moment and enjoy the beauty around?

Do you ever laugh out loud for a thought that occurred inside of you?

Do you ever pretend to be somebody you're not?

Do you ever think you dream too small?

Do you ever get passionate about something?

Do you ever get frustrated when somebody doesn't live up to your expectations?

Do you ever struggle and find comfort in seeing others struggle?

Do you ever think that the possibilities are endless?

Do you ever hold a rose only to get caught up in the thorns?

Do you ever try to walk on water without an aid?

Do you ever cry at something that happened in the past?

Do you ever wish you could change your yesterday?

Do you ever go through a day without waking up?

Do you ever say "I'm ok" when you're not?

Do you ever wish to be someone else?

Do you ever do any of these things written above?!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

one question

2008-05-17T09:55:00.001-04:00

Well I am back from Barbados and it was very enjoyable!
Back to hitting the ground running...things are busy with a musical this weekend but then Im going fishing on Lake Michigan on Sunday for a day. We are renting two boats and it should be great craic!

More importantly though....HOW ARE YOU??

Love and Party Rings! SP x

Make my day

2008-05-02T14:29:00.000-04:00

Idea borrowed from Clare:

Love and Party Rings! SP x

sometimes

2008-04-30T14:20:00.001-04:00

...there are just some things in the world that inspire you and that it is your responsibility to share. This is one of those... if you have a spare hour listen to the entire lecture. If not, just browse this page and be inspired by the man who has become an inspiration for millions:

http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/

When I come to die, I can only hope I am able to do it with as much dignity as this guy!!

Love and Party Rings! SP x

bits and bobs

2008-04-28T13:47:00.003-04:00

Well it has been an exciting month. Things have been fairly relaxed but constantly busy. This is not to say there has not been time for soccer to be played and for days (and nights) to be enjoyed!

My new wheels are awesome... I could only imagine the cost of driving something like that back home...I am feeling content and a little settled this month. This is not to say i'm not looking forward to traveling home at some point...I look forward to my first visit back greatly!

The summer ahead is busy and the next few weeks see the end of the programmed calendar year and welcome in the spontaneous structured fun of no school and no sunday nite youth groups.

Ive got new voicemail now on a direct line in the church: ne1 ever fancies a chat gimme a call at work:

1-313-383-0100

to skip the automoated machine...type 16 for my extension

Any other news...it has been a busy month of birthdays...which are always nice to celebrate.

Liverpool are on the verge of what I feel would be their best semi-final win in the CL in a decade at least...I still feel Rafa Benetiz should be replaced in the summer...im tired of not winning the league!

My hair has been shaved off...im hoping it will drag the summer in with it! Watch this space for some zany summer styling!

Aside from that, I do enjoy keeping in touch with people every now and again...its always nice to hear wat people have been up 2...so drop me a line and let me know!

Until the cow laughs again.

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

the new wheels

2008-04-22T18:36:00.006-04:00

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

Bungie stats!

2008-04-22T13:17:00.001-04:00

Love and Party Rings! SP x

trying to make Pavlova...

2008-04-13T21:35:00.007-04:00

So i decided i wanted to try to make some Pavlova, here are the results!

First of all, my ingredients:

My wonderful American mixer:

The happy and energetic chef:

Everything in action:

In the oven:

It cooked perfectly but I just couldnt get it to stay tall enough...I even tried whisking it for 35 minutes this time.

Oh, how I shall look for my family to come visit in August, so my mother can make me one of hers!

Has anyone else ever had a cooking experience, and it didnt turn out how it should?

Love and Party Rings! SP x

ponder a moment

2008-04-10T16:11:00.003-04:00

Well...it has been a nice last week. Plans are really coming on for the summer...I am greatly looking forward to it...I am also getting a "vacation"...im heading to Barbados for 8 days in the middle of May....sweet :)

Aside from that...Ive been doing a lot of thinking over the last couple of days. I have felt really challenged in a couple of things...but not necessarily in a way that impacts others...in a way that I look to purely challenge myself. It can only be good! I can really see God speaking to me through several things...and it is just awesome to sit back and watch God work in your life!

The weather has finally changed and after a high of 70 earlier in the week...combined with Spring break...we embarked on some dodgeball with the high schoolers yesterday. It was a lot of fun...i can only imagine what health and safety would have said about it back home...but it was a blast!!

Along with the small matter of Liverpool in the Semi Finals of the Champions League...it has been a productive and positive week!

Hope everyone is keeping well!
Love and PArty Rings! SP x

Sing it together now...

2008-04-05T09:53:00.003-04:00

Que sera, sera,
Whatever will be, will be,
Pompey are going to Wembley,
Que sera, sera.

Love and Party Rings! SP x

p.s. May 17th...put if in your diary...3pm

April 2nd Update

2008-04-02T13:02:00.002-04:00

whizzzzzzzzz

2008-03-28T22:42:00.002-04:00

WOAH...so it has now been 6 months since I took up my post here...time really has flown...but what a 6 months it has been!

I have just had a blast...it has been challenging, fun, tough and rewarding. I just love letting myself go and seeing where God takes me. I actually enjoy getting up every day and going to work...I enjoy just saying to God..."use me how you see fit today!"

Im not sure Ive been this happy in a loooong time...and there is definitely an irony in there...because surely when one is soo far from family and friends, he should not be happy...perhaps it has allowed me realise how important all those people in my life are...perhaps it has been because I have barely had a chance to think about somethings...perhaps, it was meant to be!

I decided to go to the movie theater on my day off on thursday...the last 5 days have been hectic. I preached on Good Friday, had an allniter with my high schooler Easter Saturday...then took part in 2 services on Easter Sunday...followed by having lunch care of Doug's Mom at the Carlton Ritz...oh my, it was a different experience! Plus im preaching this sunday, so its been crazy!

So anyway, I walked into the movie house and had a free ticket I used...I went to see Vantage Point, for those interested...but decided because Id worked out in the morning, that i would treat myself to a small popcorn...so i went up to the counter, this is what happened next;

The cashier was a barbie like chick...like don't get me wrong she was hot...blonde, nice skin, just really pretty, probably about 18 or 19...i said could i have a small diet coke and a small popcorn please...she proceeded to clap her hands and lean over the counter and say "can you say that again please"...i said it, looking back i should have just punched her in the mouth, but i realised that technique doesnt usually work with ladies! Anyway, she was very excited to hear an accent at which point I had to remind her to go and get my popcorn and to stop clapping her hands...i paid and said have a nice day...and she said, "have a nice day, no have a nice week, no have a nice year!" and jumped up and down like a little school girl clapping her hands with the biggest smile on her face. As i walked off to the screen, i saw her run round the back and skriekingly she told her friend all about my accent she had just spoken to!

I realised how nice it was to put a smile on someones face for the day!

See what you guys can do today to put a smile on someones face today...it warms your heart for sure! :)

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

A Letter from America

2008-03-22T15:53:00.001-04:00

This is one care of Shane of CIYD...it made me laugh alot!!

'Letter to America'

Dear Citizens of America,

In view of your failure to elect a competent President and thus to
govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your
independence, effective immediately.

Her Sovereign Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, will resume monarchical
duties over all states, commonwealths and other territories (except
Kansas, which she does not fancy), as from Monday next.

Your new prime minister, Gordon Brown, will appoint a governor for
America without the need for further elections. Congress and the
Senate will be disbanded. A questionnaire may be circulated next year
to determine whether any of you noticed.

To aid in the transition to a British Crown Dependency, the following
rules are introduced with immediate effect:

1. You should look up 'revocation' in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Then look up 'aluminium,' and check the pronunciation guide. You will
be amazed at just how wrongly you have been pronouncing it.

2. The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as 'colour',
'favour' and 'neighbour.' Likewise, you will learn to spell 'doughnut'
without skipping half the letters, and the suffix 'ize' will be
replaced by the suffix 'ise.'

3. You will learn that the suffix 'burgh' is pronounced 'burra'; you
may elect to spell Pittsburgh as 'Pittsberg' if you find you simply
can't cope with correct pronunciation.

4. Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to
acceptable levels (look up 'vocabulary'). Using the same twenty-seven
words interspersed with filler noises such as 'like' and 'you know' is
an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication.

5. There is no such thing as 'US English.' We will let Microsoft know
on your behalf. The Microsoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take
account of the reinstated letter 'u' and the elimination of '-ize.'

6. You will relearn your original national anthem, 'God Save The
Queen', but only after fully carrying out Task #1 (see above).

7. July 4th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday. November 2nd
will be a new national holiday, but to be celebrated only in England. It
will be called 'Come-Uppance Day.'

8. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns,
lawyers or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and
therapists shows that you're not adult enough to be independent. Guns
should only be handled by adults. If you're not adult enough to sort
things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist then
you're not grown up enough to handle a gun.

9. Therefore, you will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything
more dangerous than a vegetable peeler. A permit will be required if
you wish to carry a vegetable peeler in public.

10. All American cars are hereby banned. They are crap and this is for
your own good. When we show you German cars, you will understand what
we mean.

11. All intersections will be replaced with roundabouts, and you will
start driving on the left with immediate effect. At the same time, you
will go metric immediately and without the benefit of conversion
tables... Both roundabouts and metrification will help you understand
the British sense of humour.

12. The Former USA will adopt UK prices on petrol (which you have been
calling 'gasoline') - roughly $8/US per gallon. Get used to it.

13. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call french
fries are not real chips, and those things you insist on calling
potato chips are properly called 'crisps.' Real chips are thick cut,
fried in animal fat, and dressed not with catsup but with malt
vinegar.

14. Waiters and waitresses will be trained to be more aggressive with
customers.

15. The cold tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not
actually beer at all. Henceforth, only proper British Bitter will be
referred to as 'beer,' and European brews of known and accepted
provenance will be referred to as 'Lager.' American brands will be
referred to as 'Near-Frozen Gnat's Urine,' so that all can be sold
without risk of further confusion.

16. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as
good guys.. Hollywood will also be required to cast English actors as
English characters. Watching Andie MacDowell attempt English dialogue
in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' was an experience akin to having
one's ear removed with a cheese grater.

17. You will cease playing American 'football.' There is only one kind
of proper football; you call it 'soccer'. Those of you brave enough,
in time, will be allowed to play rugby (which has some similarities to
American 'football', but does not involve stopping for a rest every
twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body armour like a bunch of Jessies - English slang for 'Big Girls Blouse').

18. Further, you will stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to
host an event called the 'World Series' for a game which is not played
outside of America. Since only 2.1% of you are aware that there is a
world beyond your borders, your error is understandable and forgiven.

19. You must tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us mad.

20. An internal revenue agent (i.e. tax collector) from Her Majesty's
Government will be with you shortly to ensure the acquisition of all
monies due, backdated to 1776.

Thank you for your co-operation.

John Cleese

Love and PArty Rings! SP x

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