Of Simple Things

Anzac Day Special: Gallipoli - A Century On 1915-2015

2015-04-25T19:04:00.000+10:00

Even though I'm very busy these days (hence my long absences from blogger-sphere), I just had to share something in recognition of this very special day here in Australia. In fact, I would most probably find it extremely difficult to forgive myself if I let that day pass without posting something!

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Today is ANZAC Day. At this time every year (25 April), we take time to remember all "Australians [and New Zealanders] who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations."[1] This day was named officially as 'ANZAC Day' in 1916 and, originally, it commemorated the landings by ANZAC troops on Anzac Cove, Gallipoli in 1915. The actual landings on Anzac Cover were actually quite successful. However, everything that happened after that did not go according to plan. It eventually became an 8-month campaign that proved very costly (more than 8,000 lives were lost) and, unfortunately, due to unexpected difficulties, bad management, and incompetent leadership, a disaster and tragedy.[2] However, the Anzac troops were resilient in face of all these odds and demonstrated the true 'Anzac Spirit' "with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice."[3] In many ways, this 'Anzac Spirit' "...continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity."[4] The birth and development of what is known as the 'ANZAC Legend', which began with war correspondents, such as Charles Bean, has its roots firmly set in this 'spirit'.

Image: H02316 _"Anzac Beach, Gallipoli. 1915. Looking north along Anzac Cove after Anzac Corps had landed and members were settling in on the slopes of the hills."
via the Australian War Memorial

ANZAC troops on Gallipoli peninsula
via The Australian

This ANZAC Day is the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and it is quite remarkable how the whole nation has risen to remember and contemplate its relevance and meaning to us today. The Anzac Legend has been and continues to be a very powerful force in Australia's memory and has deeply shaped our understanding of ourselves as a nation. It's been and still is a matter of interest, discourse and debate to historians and academics and people in the media. I've been really made aware of this this year as I continue to study for my History Honours degree. My thesis deals with the role and experiences of ANZAC nurses during both World War I and World War II, and as I research their lives and experiences, I'm impressed by how much they really embodied the qualities of the ANZAC Legend, namely their courage and heroism, their love and loyalty, and their commitment to duty.

Anzac Nurses

Anzac Girls (2014) an ABC TV mini-series
A moving portrayal of Anzac nurses during the Great War based on the book with the same name by Peter Rees. Highly Recommended Reading and Watching!

Australian Nurse, Matron Grace Wilson, on Lemnos Island near Gallipoli
From Anzac Girls (2014)

Sister Alice Ross King, Anzac Girls (2014)

Sister Olive Haynes (left), on Lemnos Island (close to Gallipoli). [Sister Olive Haynes is one of my favourite characters in Anzac Girls (2014)

Well, I really found this TV series so inspiring that I've even designed a Polyvore set based on the nurses from Anzac Girls (2014). It is also a tribute to the brave nurses who served and sacrificed to save lives during the War. I just love their uniform!

ANZAC Day Special: Anzac Girls - A Century On by of-simple-things

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There are indeed many things we can take from this time of commemoration. As a historian (in the making), it's so easy for me to get bogged down in the debates. It's so easy to fall into cynicism. Some argue the worth and relevance of ANZAC Day or the presence of the ANZAC Legend in our society since it's very selective, fails to tell the whole historical truth and that it glosses over the darker side of the experiences of the soldiers and of what really happens in war. In many ways this is true. However, while it is important to be truthful in our study and analysis of the past (without which we can never really know the truth and learn from its mistakes or really appreciate its full significance), we must not forget that legends are still built on historical realities and truths. It helps us articulate complex truths and realities and make them more tangible for ourselves. Making legend out of history helps to remind us of many of the great virtues exhibited by many (if not most) of the Anzacs - courage, heroism, loyalty, duty, and honour. That doesn't mean they showed these ideal qualities at all times. They were ordinary men and women with a fallen nature like us. However, they did aim for those ideals and many times embodied them at various times despite all odds. That's the point. Legends, therefore, put a standard or ideal for us to aim at. We all still yearn to have these ideals before us, despite all the scepticism and hostility of postmodernists and moral relativists in the media and academia today. Legends help us to better ourselves and our society. It creates a goal. I believe that is why the ANZAC Legend has endured and will endure. The ANZAC Legend also embodies that heroic ideal of sacrificial love. Christ has shown us the true meaning of this. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends," (John 15:13). There is something within us that yearns for this love. Having the ANZAC Legend, I believe, gives a cryptic image of this love to our society that yearns for this love but has lost it and can only really find its true meaning in rediscovering Christ's love and sacrifice. Australian Defence Chaplain, Geoff Webb puts really beautifully:

From a Christian perspective ANZAC Day is a phenomenon that we have to deal with and understand if we are to reach the Australian heart. I suppose it is almost trite to point out that the spirituality of ANZAC Day echoes the themes of the Gospel. Sacrifice, mateship, patience and courage are at the centre of Jesus’ ministry. It is interesting that ANZAC and Easter usually are very close to each other. 2013 is about as far apart as they get.It seems to me that God has placed at the centre of Australian national consciousness a reminder of that ultimate and divine sacrifice that brings not political freedom but eternal freedom, not just life for a nation but eternal life for all. When at the end of every dawn service the bugler plays Rouse or Reveille they are proclaiming confidence in a resurrection that only one sacrifice has made possible. So don’t condemn ANZAC Day but look for the links to and the longing for life and hope that only the sacrifice of Jesus Christ has made possible.- See more at: http://www.defenceanglicans.org.au/the-spirit-of-anzac/#sthash.Fy9KbyqS.dpuf

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I was very privileged to get the opportunity to visit Canberra last month and I got to visit the Australian War Memorial for the very first time. I was so glad to attend the ceremony of the 'Last Post'. It was such a moving experience.

Panoramic view of the Federal Parliament of Australia, Canberra from the Australian War Memorial.
Photo curtesy of my sister Joy C. from Fullness of Joy Blog

The Australian War Memorial.
via Wikipedia

Poppies on the Roll of Honour in the Australian War Memorial.
Photo courtesy of my sister Joy C. from Fullness of Joy blog.

Lest We Forget Memorial. Australian War Memorial
Photo Courtesy of my sister Joy C. from Fullness of Joy Blog.

Statue of Simpson and his Donkey. Australian War Memorial. This is a very iconic image of the Anzac Legend.
Photo Courtesy of my sister Joy C. of Fullness of Joy Blog

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Yesterday, I took time to make some ANZAC biscuits with my youngest sister, Gracie! We just had a lot of fun making them and they're just so yummy!
ANZAC Biscuits are one of the important traditions of ANZAC Day. Here is the recipe I use (there are a number of variations to this recipe and a bit of contention whether they should be served hard or soft! - I prefer them a bit crunchy, but not too hard):

3/4 cup/ 170 g/ 5 1/2 oz. caster sugar

1 cup. 125 g/ 4 oz. flour, sifted

1 cup/ 90 g/ 3 oz. instant rolled oats

90 g/ 3 oz. butter

1/4 cup/ 60 ml/ 2 fl oz. water

1 tablespoon golden syrup (I used rice syrup)

1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

1. Place sugar, flour, oats and coconut in a bowl and mix to combine.

2. Melt butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Remove pan from heat and stir in water, golden syrup and bicarbonate of soda. Pour into dry ingredients and mix to combine.

3. Place heaped teaspoons of mixture on greased baking trays and bake for 15-20 minutes. Oven Temperature 160*C/ 325*F / Gas 3.

4. Stand biscuits on trays for 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool.

Makes about 30.

**Recipe from Carolyn Fienberg and Anna Philips, The Collector's Collection: Recipes From a Country Kitchen, Australia: J.B. Fairfax Press Pty Limited, 1998, p. 16**
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I'd like to close with the words of the Ode from Blinyon's poem, For the Fallen: (Listen to the sound of the 'Last Post' here)

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We shall remember them.

LEST WE FORGET

The Silence.

Happy Australia Day!

2015-01-26T23:51:00.000+10:00

I've been rather busy lately, but I just couldn't pass this day without sharing something about this special day... which is very much like the 4th of July in America!

I'm writing this at the end of the day. It's been lovely! Very hot and humid, but great! We enjoyed a picnic bbq lunch with friends at Wellington Point, a lovely park by the bay. Played music and sang and just basically got burnt to a crisp! A typical Australia Day out! Though I could've done without the last bit...

Wellington Point, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
via Pinterest

I found this beautiful version for our national anthem: 'Advance Australia Fair'

The following is an oft forgotten verse...understandably so, I suppose but it is very special and I sing it prayerfully with faith and hope for the future! Nothing is too hard for God!

(*oh, by the way, I think you'd enjoy listening to link above for the anthem. It's a lovely, sweet version*).

With Christ our Head and Cornerstone,

We'll build our Nation's might,

Whose way and truth and light alone,

Can guide our path aright.

Our lives, a sacrifice of love,

Reflect our Master's care

With faces turned to heaven above,

Advance Australia Fair

In joyful strains then let us sing,

Advance Australia Fair.

Here is also one of my favourite Aussie songs...a bit dated, I think, and probably not so well known...it's by Ted Egan, 'This Land Australia'. However, I just love the way it describes the variousness and vastness that is Australia...Would just love to explore more one day!

This Land Australia

Ted Eagan

Chorus:

Try to understand

This land Australia

Take her as she is, her moods, her mysteries

Mother of us all

Beneath the Southern Cross

In her frame of peaceful seas.

(1) The shimmer of the midday haze

Un-endless inland plains

The busy city's bustling pace

The drenching life-filled rains.

(Chorus)

Uluru - Ayer's Rock, Australia
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Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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(2) The lustre of the Barrier Reef

The snow-clad Alps on high

The fires, the floods, the searing droughts

Just love her don't ask why!

(Chorus)

The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia
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Snow gums in the Snowy Mountains, Australia
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Mt. Buller, Victorian Alps, Australia
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Searing Droughts and Burning Fires
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Floods!
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(3) The tribal stories ages old

The deeds of pioneers

The way of life we proudly hold

The triumphs and the tears!

(Chorus x3)

Indigenous Australia, 'The First Australians'
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Pioneers
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This was just a tinsy-winsy sample of the so many contrasts of this beautiful land...this land I call home...I'm so blessed to live here. I pray that God would bless this land. May He visit us and truly make it ''Terra Australis Espirito Santo', The Great South Land of the Holy Spirit'! Amen!

Extra Bonus!!! Just a couple of my favourite Aussie Movie Classics...

The Road Goes Ever On and On

2015-01-06T16:07:00.001+10:00

"Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; and to You the vow shall be performed. O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come...You crown the year with Your goodness, and your paths drip with abundance. They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys are covered with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing." (Psalm 65: 1-2, 11-13 NKJV)

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HAPPY NEW YEAR, dear friends! I can't believe it's 2015 already! This past year just went by so fast! So many things have happened. Many blessings and joys to be thankful for! Many challenges faced and conquered by His mercy and grace! However, new ones have also come that are still being faced and challenged back and others might show up in this coming year. I walk forward, though, confidently knowing that what He began He will finish. He is there holding my hand. Sometimes I may not 'feel' Him there beside me, the mists hanging low and obscuring the light, fear and doubt making me falter, but He is there all the same, ready to pick me up when I fall, ready to forgive, ready to heal.

"For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not; I will help you.'" Isaiah 41: 15

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My prayer is that I He will give me His grace and strength to hold onto Him more firmly; to learn to trust Him fully and without fear; to always commit my hopes and dreams to Him, knowing that only in His hands can they become something really beautiful for His glory; o love Him more who loved me first and unconditionally; to serve Him in everything I do, make or think; to do wholeheartedly and conscientiously anything He wants me to do; to be faithful and diligent in my duties; to learn to love and serve others better and unselfishly; to be always thankful and contented; to pray and seek Him more wholeheartedly.

I don't know what this year will be like, but it is enough knowing the One who knows and that this One is my Father in heaven! It's a great comfort! Because of this I know it will be good!

So...

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...knowing He is holding my hand!

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I love how this picture portrays our journey going straight to the glory of the horizon - where our Lord is! Everyday takes us one step closer to the Celestial City!

Merry Christmas! Peace on Earth, Goodwill to men!

2014-12-25T01:01:00.000+10:00

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (ST. LUKE 2: 8-14)

I'd like to share with you a beautiful Christmas Carol that I just noticed the other day. It's words are simple but very relevant. Sometimes it's hard to celebrate when so much darkness is around us. Here in Australia, for example, we've recently had that dreadful terror tragedy in Sydney that took the life of Katrina and Tori, two ordinary people in the prime of their lives. Just turn on the news on TV or read online or the newspaper and stories of violence and darkness just flood us. Many people around us are suffering in one way or another. Often we are going through our own sorrows and pains. Have you ever wondered at the words, 'Peace on Earth', 'Goodwill to men'. The words seem to mock what we see with our eyes and what we experience. However, even when the world around us is turbulent, our God is still there in the darkness and silence. He is Emmanuel - God With Us. Sharing our suffering, weaknesses, and pain. He bore the punishment of sin for us. He chose to be born in this sin-sick world for us, to redeem us. He is our Peace. He is our Hope. One day all will be put to right. Everything will fall into place. Every tear will be wiped away. All because He came. All because He lived among us. All because He died. All because He rose again from the dead. That is why the angels rejoiced that day! Yes, we can say with the angels who sang on that first Christmas night, "Peace on Earth and Goodwill to men!!" Amen! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Peace to you!

"I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day"

Lyrics by

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882), 1867

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along the unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:

"There is no peace on earth," I said,

"For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing singing, on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

It's Christmas At Polyvore!

2014-12-21T00:35:00.000+10:00

One of my favourite pastimes is to create some beautiful and artistic fashion sets on Polyvore. I always love the opportunity to be artistic and creative. I've been making some Christmas sets and thought it'd be nice to share them with you. Hope you like them.

It Reminds Me of Narnia... by of-simple-things

This set is one of my favourites. It really reminds of Narnia. I did not intend it to be so at first, but as I was trying to give a name to the set, I just saw it! Narnia!! I think it would be something close to what Susan would wear.

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Children's Smiles at Christmas Time by of-simple-things

I love the smiles of those two beautiful girls. I love the tartan, too!!

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Christmas Red Country Church by of-simple-things

This is another of my favourite sets. I did it for a small Group Polyvore contest. I love that little red church against the snow. I also love that Dolce & Gabbana dress with it's delicate embroidery and folky look and feel.

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A Christmas Carol by of-simple-things

I just saw this picture of Ebenezer Scrooge from A Christmas Carol and I just had to create something for it! I found this tartan dress and this old coat - they perfectly fit a Dickens sets!

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Red and White Christmas Treats! by of-simple-things

A red and white Christmas set with a pretty red and white Dolce & Gabbana dress.

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Warm and Cozy Christmas by of-simple-things

This picture with it's decorated and warmly lit window just emanates Christmas warmth, coziness, and welcome, doesn't it? I love the dress here, too. Another Dolce & Gabbana dress.

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An Elegant Vintage Christmas by of-simple-things

I love this vintage set! I just love this coat!!

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I hope you enjoyed these sets. I find that the sets often 'make themselves' so to speak. I always look for artistic inspiration when I'm working on one. If that doesn't come, I never force it. With these artistic sets I also aim for the artistic in the fashion items I use and I don't note the price tag!! They just make me daydream, I suppose!

Well, I'll hopefully come back with more Christmas posts in the next few days...as time allows during this busy week! Till next time. God bless and Merry Christmas!!

There and Back Again! A Long-Awaited Update!

2014-11-14T16:02:00.001+10:00

Oxford, UK

Hello dear friends! I'm finally back after such a loooong absence. So much has happened since my last post last Easter. God has been very good and faithful. Yes, I can truly say that 'hitherto hath the Lord helped [me]' (1 Samuel 7:12).

So, I guess I owe you all a little update.

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First of all, the biggest update is that last August I finally finished my BA degree in History and Politics! The graduation ceremony is scheduled for next year still, but I'm definitely done! It's been a long and wearisome four years, but definitely all very worth it! Praise the Lord! I just feel so relieved to have that all behind me now. I've just reached another important milestone in my life and, now, I'm looking forward to what the Lord has in store for me for the future. As an aspiring historian, more history study is expected. In fact, I'm planning to do my BA Honours next year, if the Lord wills. I'm still praying for His guidance regarding my thesis and all that, though. It'll be a great deal of work, that's for sure, but an important thing to do.

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For the time being, though, I'm trying to find time to relax a bit and
do a bit of catch up on a lot of things I've missed on during the last four years. I've started some sewing projects and a knitting project; I'm continuing my singing lessons; helping mum around the home more and learning to be a better homemaker. I've also taken up quilting for the first time! It's a challenge but I'm eager to learn. I'm also continuing decorating work on my younger sister's, Dollhouse, by adding curtains and lights! Christmas is coming up soon, too, and I've got some craft projects on my mind. Meanwhile I'm trying to catch up on some leisurely reading. There are just so many books out there waiting to be explored! At the same time I hope to refresh my spiritual life and my relationship with the Lord, with more devotional reading. Yes, it's a lot of stuff. I've really missed that creative side of me with all this study. It's a really welcome break.

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Hopefully, I'll be posting more updates on these projects! (Don't you like this picture on the left? Sweet, isn't it?!)

Another important thing that happened during this time, last July to be precise, I went with my family on my very first trip to England! It was a long and very hectic trip, yes, but an amazing and very exciting experience for me. We stayed in London, Oxford, and Cambridge, about a week in each. I loved England and I would love to visit again someday! (more on my UK trip in another post, Lord willing...please stay tuned!)

London, UK

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Finally, during this time, my dear grandmother (Dad's mum) passed away. She was the last surviving grandparent. We all miss her very much. Our comfort is that she is in a far better place, with no more sorrow or pain. With Christ it is far better indeed! Our hope is that we will see her again one day, through God's Grace and mercy! I'm thankful for the sweet memories I have of her. She's inspired me in a lot of things, particularly in my love of singing, storytelling, and interior designing. She was great in all these and I appreciate her encouraging me in them.

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So, this is all for this update! I hope this will restore my momentum in blogging after this absence!

Granny's favourite hymn, 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus!'

Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Risen Indeed!

2014-04-21T00:25:00.000+10:00

"Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying,‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’” (Luke 24:1-7 NKJV - my emphasis)

Simon Peter loved Jesus very much. However, on the night Jesus was betrayed and arrested, in fear and weakness, Peter denied his Lord three times even with oaths. The Lord had warned Peter earlier in the night about this coming temptation and had encouraged him to watch and pray in order to withstand it. Peter did not heed this warning. However, the Lord prayed for him so that his 'faith would not fail' and would be restored. This prayer was answered and Peter repented with bitter tears (see Matthew 26: 31-35, 69-74; Mark 14:27-31, 66-72; Luke 22:31-34, 54-62; John 18:15-18, 25-26). However, he remained in confusion and sorrow during those few days of darkness and doubt, wondering whether he could be accepted again after this dreadful betrayal...Jesus, however, tenderly drew him in and restored him. In the Gospel of St. Mark we read that when the angels appeared to the women at the tomb, they instructed them to '"...go tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”' (16:7 - my emphasis). The Lord singled him out in tenderness and love to reassure him that he was still one of His disciples and 'brethren' and that he has been forgiven. In Luke we also read of Jesus' private and personal appearance to him: '...“The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”' (Luke 24:34 NKJV). The following song tells of this story...Peter's sorrow, pain, and confusion...and the moment He came! I love songs that tell a story and this one is really special. I pray it blesses you on this Resurrection Day! Remember that Jesus died, but that He is now risen and that makes all the difference in all the world...He is the same, unchanged, yesterday, today, and forever (see Hebrews 13:8).

"Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”

Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again to their own homes."(John 20:1-10 NKJV)

He's Alive

by Don Francisco

The gates and doors were barred

And all the windows fastened down

I spent the night in sleeplessness

And rose at every sound

Half in hopeless sorrow

And half in fear the day

Would find the soldiers breakin' through

To drag us all away

And just before the sunrise

I heard something at the wall

The gate began to rattle

And a voice began to call

I hurried to the window

Looked down into the street

Expecting swords and torches

And the sound of soldiers' feet

But there was no one there but Mary

So I went down to let her in

John stood there beside me

As she told me where she'd been

She said they might have moved Him in the night

And none of us knows where

The stone's been rolled away

And now His body isn't there

We both ran toward the garden

Then John ran on ahead

We found the stone and empty tomb

Just the way that Mary said

But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in

Was just an empty shell

And how or where they'd taken Him

Was more than I could tell

Oh something strange had happened there

Just what I did not know

John believed a miracle

But I just turned to go

Circumstance and speculation

Couldn't lift me very high

'Cause I'd seen them crucify him

Then I saw him die

Back inside the house again

The guilt and anguish came

Everything I'd promised Him

Just added to my shame

When at last it came to choices

I denied I knew His name

And even if He was alive

It wouldn't be the same

But suddenly the air was filled

With a strange and sweet perfume

Light that came from everywhere

Drove the shadows from the room

And Jesus stood before me

With his arms held open wide

And I fell down on my knees

And I just clung to Him and cried

Then He raised me to my feet

And as I looked into His eyes

The love was shining out from Him

Like sunlight from the skies

Guilt in my confusion

Disappeared in sweet release

And every fear I'd ever had

Just melted into peace

He's alive yes He's alive

Yes He's alive and I'm forgiven

Heaven's gates are open wide

He's alive yes He's alive

Oh He's alive and I'm forgiven

Heaven's gates are open wide

He's alive yes He's alive

Hallelujah He's alive

He's alive and I'm forgiven

Heaven's gates are open wide

He's alive He's alive He's alive

I believe it He's alive

Sweet Jesus

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In closing, I'd like to share a quote from Perter Marshall's book, The First Easter (1959),

"...you, too, may have that fellowship with the Risen Christ. Indeed you will not believe the fact of the Resurrection for yourself until the living Christ lives in your own heart. When you have in your own life that sense of His nearness and His power - ah, then you too will know!
"Your life today may be guided by Christ...Your problems may be solved by His wisdom...Your weakness may be turned to strength by His help...Your struggles may become victories by His grace...Your sorrows may be turned into joy by His comfort.
"To you there may come the same wonderful changes that have come to other men and women all down through the years.
"This is the reality that can be yours - this comradeship with the Resurrected Christ through His Sprit is available now... to the man in the street... to the government clerk... to the anxious mother... to the confused school boy or girl.
"This is the real meaning of Easter. Forget the bunny rabbit and the coloured eggs. Forget the the symbols of spring that so often confuse and conceal the real meaning of what we celebrate on that day.
"No tabloid will ever print the startling news that the mummified body of Jesus of Nazareth has been discovered in old Jerusalem. Christians have no carefully embalmed body enclosed in a glass case to worship. Thank God, we have an empty tomb.
"The glorious fact that the empty tomb proclaims to us is that life for us does not stop when death comes. Death is not a wall, but a door. And eternal life which may be ours now, by faith in Christ, is not interrupted when the soul leaves the body, for we live on...and on.
"...Because the Resurrection is true, it is the most significant thing in our world today...'Because I live, ye shall live also.' This is the message of Easter." (pp. 91-93)

AMEN!

HALLELUJAH!

He Came In Love

2014-04-18T19:49:00.001+10:00

Take a few moments with me on a small remembrance journey in song from The Witness Musical by Jimmy and Carol Owens, meditating on the deep love of our Lord Jesus and the great price He paid for our salvation and redemption...How deep is His love! How unfathomable! How immeasurable! Oh! How He love us! How He suffered for us!

"Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." (John 13:1 NKJV)

IN LOVE FOR ME

by Jimmy Owens

This is My body broken for you,
Bringing you wholeness, making you free.

Take it and eat it, and when you do,

Do it in love for Me.

This is My blood poured out for you,
Bringing forgiveness, making you free.

Take it and drink it, and when you do,

Do it in love for Me,

Do it in love for Me.

CRUCIFIXION DIRGE

by Jimmy and Carol Owens

Mary and Choir:

The night is here,

My Little Lamb,

Try not to cry.

Soon the sun will shine again

And light the sky.

And though the night seems dark, my Child,

The morning will come again;

Now close your eyes and sleep for a while,

Don't be afraid,

Morning will come,

So sleep.

HE CAME IN LOVE
by Jimmy Owens

Choir:

Pure and holy Son of God,
Taking on the form of man;
Left the glory of His throne,
Came to bring salvation's plan.
Righteous Father, Holy One,
Looking down on us in Love;
Gave to us His only Son,
Sent with blessings from above.

But we took Him and we nailed Him
to a cross made of wood
And we raised it high and dropped it
in the ground where it stood
And the blood that flowed to the earth below
Bought forgiveness for the world
that had treated Him so.

"Peace on earth, Good will to men,"
At His birth the angels sang,
Love and mercy from the throne
Through the earth his message rang.

But we took Him and we nailed Him
to a cross made of wood
And we raised it high and dropped it
in the ground where it stood
And the blood that flowed to the earth below
Bought forgiveness for the world
that had treated Him so.

He came in love to bring us light in our darkness,
He came in peace to bring release from our pain;
He came with joy to bring us rest in our weariness,
He came in love to bring us beauty again.

(Repeat)

THEY TOOK HIM DOWN

(Reading)

by Jimmy Owens

Peter:

They took Him down, His poor dead body,

and prepared Him for his burial.

They took Him down, His poor pale body,

drained of life, ashen, and stained

with its own life-blood.

His healing hands, now pierced and still;

Serving hands, that broke five loaves

to feed five thousand;

Holy hands, often folded in fervent prayer;

Poor gentle hands, now pierced and still.

His poor torn feet, now bloodied and cold;

Feet that walked weary miles

to bring good news to broken hearts;

Feet once washed in penitent's tears;

Poor torn feet, now bloodied and cold.

His kingly head, made for a crown,

now crowed - with thorns.

his poor kingly head, crowned with thorns.

His gentle breast, now pierced by

spear-thrust, quiet and still;

His poor loving breast.

His piercing eyes, now dark and blind;

Eyes of compassion, warming the soul;

Fiery eyes, burning at sin;

Tender eyes, beckoning sinners;

His piercing eyes, now dark and blind.

His matchlesss voice, fountain of the Father's

thoughts, stopped - and stilled -

to speak no more.

Silence now, where once had flowed

wisdom and comfort, Spirit and life;

His matchless voice, stilled, to speak no more.

They took him down, His poor dead body,

and prepared Him for his burial.

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29 NKJV)

And so the buried Him, and they thought that was the end...BUT IT WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING!!!

Wideness in God's Mercy

2014-03-31T15:31:00.001+10:00

Take a moment to reflect on His eternal love and mercy....vast as the ocean...

via Pinterest

There's a Wideness in God's Mercy

There's a wideness in God's mercy

Like the wideness of the sea;

There's a kindness in His justice

Which is more than liberty.

There is welcome for the sinner,

And more graces for the good;

There is mercy with the Saviour;

There is healing in His blood.

For the love of God is broader

Than the measure of man's mind,

And the heart of the Eternal

Is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more simple,

We should take Him at His word;

And our lives would be all sunshine

In the sweetness of our Lord.

Frederick W. Faber

Christ Is All In All!

2014-03-17T00:46:00.000+10:00

Saint Patrick
via Holy-Icons.com

One of the most inspiring Saints of old for me is St. Patrick. From the time I came in contact with his story and history, I've been really impressed and spiritually blessed. Since today is St. Patrick's Day, I thought I'd share something of him. Some of you may have come across this post before in my other blog, but I don't think there is any harm in sharing it here again this year, too, especially for those who haven't seen it before.

Now, if you ask many people nowadays who St. Patrick was, they would most probably not know very much about him other than the myths and legends that have been woven endlessly around him for countless generations. These legends have obscured the man behind those legends and made most of us (yes, even us Christians) forget why he became such a legend in the first place.

St. Patrick
via Confession of St. Patrick

Patrick (c. A.D. 386-461) wrote very little about himself and no one during his lifetime wrote about him, either. However, we are fortunately left with a few of his writings that tells us something of the true Patrick, a holy and humble man of great faith in God with a truly apostolic mission. The most important document is his the Confessio or Confession (*I highly recommend reading it*). In it he sketches his life story - how he was captured by Irish slave traders, how he called on the Lord in the day of his distress and was saved, how he miraculously escaped his captivity and returned to his home in Briton, then how he was called back to the people who had enslaved him in order to preach the Gospel to them, and how he obeyed God's call despite the danger and difficulties.

Paul Gallico said this about Patrick in his A Steadfast Man: A Life of St. Patrick (1958),

"He [Patrick] stands forth as a wonderfully human being, a man with almost all man's failings, yet touched by the divine. The testimony of his own hand exposes one who is not ashamed to admit that he owed everything to God, and that, had it not been for Him, he, Patrick, would have been other than he was.

"Out of the pages of the Confessio arises the figure of a man of indomitable purpose and compelling spiritual power, who, as [Bishop] Secundinus [probably a nephew of Patrick] wrote in his hymn, 'in sincerity of heart had confidence in God'.

"It is this sincerity, faith, and confidence - the utter subjection of himself to God - that gave Patrick his stature and account for the success that has placed him amongst the saints of the ages.

"Patrick's trust in God breathes from every page and from every line he wrote. It replaced a confidence that he never felt in himself, for Patrick entertained no illusions as to his initial abilities and talents. But God made everything possible to him, helped him to overcome every obstacle, physical or spiritual, with which his adventurous life was studded. he walked armoured in this faith and nothing could touch him; not the swords and spears of his enemies, or the occasional envy or spite of his friends.

"It was this love for God and his dedication to the life, the work and the word of Christ that gave Patrick his steadfast and unchanging nature. God was Patrick's catalyst who fused and tempered his character. From the time that the boy Patrick discovered Him on the freezing slopes of Mount Slemish, there was not a thought or action that was not first funneled through God. Thus the Saint's line of action ran as straight as an arrow, undeviating, unwavering. It was impossible for him to act other than in concert with his God, who had called him to serve. He had the word of that God and that Christ, spoken through the Scriptures and the Gospels; he lived by them to the utmost of his ability and he asked of those about him and those whom he preached and converted to try to do likewise. And you will see, glittering from some of his paragraphs. like jewels, his joy when he succeeded."

(p. 124-125)

Christ Enthroned
the Book of Kells
via Wikipedia

Patrick's faith in God and his obedience to His call to preach to the heathen Irish when nobody else thought it possible, changed the destiny and faith of a whole nation and influenced the development of Christian Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire. The monasteries that dotted the Irish landscape became a bastion of learning during the troubled times of the barbarian invasions in Europe. The beautiful calligraphic manuscripts created and preserved in those monasteries awe us all, the Book of Kells being a chief example.

There is so much more to learn about Patrick, his faith and his work for the Lord, maybe I'll leave that for another post for now. Until then, however, I highly recommend watching the docu-drama Patrick (narrated by Liam Neeson with the voice of Patrick by Gabriel Byrne), which tells Patrick's story really well and it's very encouraging and inspiring (see Trailer below).

I'll close here with this special prayer...

The Prayer of St. Patrick

Ireland
via favim.com

I arise today through a mighty strength,

The invocation of the Trinity

Through belief in the Threeness,

Through Confessions of the Oneness,

Towards the Creator.

I arise today through the strength of Christ with His Baptism,

Through the strength of His crucifixion with His Burial,

Through the strength of His Resurrection with His Ascension,

Through the strength of His descent for the Judgement of Doom.

I arise today

Through God's Strength to guide me,

God's might to uphold me,

God's Wisdom to lead me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's host to defend me

against snares of devils,

against temptations of vices,

against the lusts of nature,

against all who wish me harm

from far or near,

with few or the many.

Christ protect me today

Against poison, against burning,

against drowning, against wounding

That I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks to me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through belief in the Threeness,

Through Confession of the Oneness

Towards the Creator.

Salvation is of the Lord,

Salvation is of Christ.

May Thy salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.'

Amen.

From:

Paul Gallico. The Steadfast Man: A Life of St Patrick. London: Michael Joseph, 1958. pp. 126-127

__________________
References and Further Reading (Click on the images to find on Amazon.com):
- St. Patrick, Confession (available online at http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/celtic/ctexts/p01.html )

- Patrick Docu-Drama DVD

- Paul Gallico, The Steadfast Man: A Life of St. Patrick, London: Michael Joseph, 1958.

- Mary Wilson, Builders and Destroyers, God's Hand in History A.D. 300-700, Book IV, London: Blandford Press, 1968, pp. 60-8

Feeling Down or Discouraged?

2014-03-13T22:08:00.001+10:00

Mount Beauty, Vic., Australia!
via Google Images

Feeling down or discouraged today? Speak these words to yourself, like the Psalmist did:

"Why are you cast down, o my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God." Psalm 43:5 (NKJV)

Things do look different from His mountain-top!

Discouraged?

But when from mountain top,

My Lord, I look with Thee,

My cares and burdens drop

Like pebbles in the sea.

The air is clear;

I fear no fear;

In this far view,

All things are new.

Amy Carmichael

from Mountain Breezes: The Collected Poems of Amy Carmichael

'I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help? My help cometh from the LORD which made heaven and earth.' (Psalm 121:1-2)

'Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.' (Psalm 61:1-2)

Cry of Hope - New Book Reveal!

2014-03-07T16:15:00.001+10:00

Today I have an exciting announcement! A lovely blog friend, Emily Chapman, is publishing her debut historical novel, Cry of Hope!! It's so exciting and I'm really honoured to be part of her book reveal (or the Scavenger-Hunt Book Reveal Party, I guess it could be called). The book looks really interesting and I can't wait to read it! So, without any further ado, I present...Emily Chapman and her book...

CRY OF HOPE

Synopsis
When a voyage to the New World is thrust upon young, unwilling Hope Ellison, her carefully built ideals begin to slip from her grasp. Clinging to the tattered shards of her once contented life, she embarks on the perilous journey with her family, caring not for the reason they are taking such risks in the first place and fearing the fate for her future. Yet, even her fears are unprepared for the trials ahead, and soon she comes face to face with choices that will define her view of life entirely.

Being the writer of a historical novel, one often has a mind full of obscure bits of information stored up. Usually they come flying out when the writer wishes to impress someone, though the reaction is generally that of disinterest. Anyhow, considering there are other history buffs out there, I've decided to let those historical oddities come shining through. To make it even more interesting, Sarah and I thought it would be fun if I created a quiz. Prizes are rather . . . ah, nonexistent for this little contest, but brownie points, virtual hugs, and a personal shout-out on my Facebook page and blog will satisfy you readers, won't it?

There are two separate quizzes I've created, though the first focuses primarily on obscure facts and the second one focuses on things I've written in the book itself. Prepare your mind for some strange Pilgrim knowledge. So it begins . . .

History That You Didn't Care About

1. True or false?

Beer was considered a nutritious drink, while water was actually considered unhealthy.

2. True or false?

The pastor of the Pilgrims' congregation, John Robinson, stayed behind in England.

3. True or false?

Constance Hopkins was but a child of eleven when she boarded the Mayflower with her family.

4. True or false?

Constance Hopkins was often referred to as 'Constanta' rather than Constance.

5. True or false?

Lummelen was a version of hide-and-seek that the children would play.

6. True or false?

The Speedwell leaked three times before they finally left her behind.

7. True or false?

The first Indian to introduce himself to the new settlers was a man named Tisquantum, or more commonly known as Squanto.

8. True or false?

“Puritan” was a derogatory term in the early 1600s.

Oddities in Cry of Hope

(Question One)

Which real-life character do you suspect Hope finds most exasperating in the book?

1. Constance Hopkins

2. Francis Billington

3. Mary Chilton

4. None of the above

(Question Two)

Which animal is most often mentioned?

1. A cat

2. A dog

3. A milk cow

4. None of the above

(Question Three)

Which Indian do you think Hope becomes friends with?

1. Squanto

2. Massasoit

3. Samoset

4. None of the above

(Question Four)

What is Hope's mob cap called?

1. A mob cap (duh)

2. A coif

3. A kerchief

4. None of the above

(Question Five)

Which real-life adult did Hope interact with the most?

1. Priscilla Mullins

2. Elder Brewster

3. Goodwife Hopkins

4. None of the above

(Question Six)

Which selection of languages is present in the book?

1. Just English

2. English and Dutch

3. Elvish

4. None of the above

(Question Seven)

What did Hope sleep on while on the Mayflower voyage?

1. A bunk bed

2. A hammock

3. A blanket on the floor

4. None of the above

(Question Eight)

Which real-life child is not mentioned in the book?

1. Constance Robinson

2. Francis Billington

3. Mary Chilton

4. None of the above

Comment below with your answers! Have you any other obscure historical bits of information in mind? If so, do share!

Don't forget to enter for the Giveaway (an autographed copy of Cry of Hope for winners), please put this Code into the Rafflecopter link below: It is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.

Next Blog: Small or Large

AUTHOR BIO

Emily Chapman is a homeschool student living with her large family in the southeastern United States. Besides writing, she enjoys exercising her imagination through dance and a dabble of photography. A firm believer in summertime, bare feet, and Neverland, Emily can often be found daydreaming or reading or (all too often) skimming the Internet for nothing in particular. A young, imperfect girl saved by the Son of the Creator, she is adopted into God's family of beautiful souls. You can follow her on her blog or like her on Facebook. Her debut novel, Cry of Hope, is now available for purchase on Amazon and CreateSpace.

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The Pressures of Life - Let Them Draw You to Him!

2014-03-04T00:34:00.000+10:00

"It doesn't matter, really, how great the pressure is, it only matters where the pressure lies. See that it never comes between you and the Lord - then the greater the pressure, the more it presses you to His breast." J.Hudson Taylor

The Edges of His Ways
I love this photo...It just awes me. I feel it beacons me to walk to the heights - to seek Him who is the Rock of Ages.
via Pinterest

Life is full of pressures of all kinds. It is so easy for me to let those pressures pull me down and suck me away from seeking His face - from seeking Him first in my life. I came across this quote by J. Hudson Taylor and it brought this issue home to me today. Not surprisingly, I've been under a variety of pressures lately, as most people seem to be these days I notice. Life is often just so, so busy. My pressures have been mostly from uni studies, responsibilities, and anxieties about the future and so on. It is so easy to let the cares of life and the lures of the world distract us from Him and His Word. The world is always intent on distracting us from seeking God. It lures us with the love the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Other distractions could be 'good' things and not necessarily 'worldly', but it nonetheless distracts us from seeking Him first in our lives. I've noticed that I get distracted more easily when I'm totally caught up in the pressures of everyday and when I don't even give a moment's pause to be quiet in His Presence. As a new Semester begins, my prayer is that I let the pressures of life draw me closer to Him, instead of sucking my faith away. That is why it is important to take time everyday to just be quiet in His Presence and let Him feed our souls. May He give me the strength and grace to cling to Him and His Word and so bring lasting fruit in my life to His glory. I want my life and heart to be like the good soil where the Seed of God's Word takes root and produces fruit. May it be our prayer always.

"Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."

Matthew 13:22 (NKJV)

"Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."

Mark 4:18-19 (NKJV)

"Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity."

Luke 8:14 (NKJV)

The Literary Heroine Blog Party

2014-03-01T01:35:00.002+10:00

Read all about this annual blog party!

I very recently stumbled across the lovely feminine, vintage-inspired blog by Kellie Falconer, called 'Accordion to Kellie'. I really enjoyed it. I've been very busy with my Uni studies and assignments lately and I haven't really had much time or energy left for blogging in general. However, I'm having a very, very short break this week before starting a new term next week and I've decided to use the opportunity to join in Accordion to Kellie's 'The literary Heroine Blog Party'. The Party is supposed to have ended yesterday (February 28th), so I'm a bit late, but I thought I'd do it anyway because it looks quite fun!

*******************************

So here are the questions:

1. Introduce yourself! Divulge your life’s vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

Hi! I'm Sarah and I live in beautiful, sunny Queensland, Australia. I'm a homeschool grad and I'm currently a history undergraduate student (in my last year!) who just LOVES history! I've always found it difficult to pin-point exactly which historical period is the most favourite period for me. It can change from time to time, depending on what grabs my attention. Though, I think I would say it's Early-Modern British history.

I also love historical and fiction/fantasy literature, especially those with the element of the 'legendary' about them, such as Tolkien's books (with The Lord of the Rings being my favourite!), and Viking Sagas and Arthurian legends (I haven't gotten much into these yet, but they're on my list of aspirations!!). I also like good 19th century classic novels, of course! I must also mention that the great bulk of my reading has always been non-fiction biographies. These, to me, are just as pleasurable as novels and greatly inspiring, since they really actually happened in space, time, and history! I know! That's the historian in me, I guess!

I can describe myself as quite intellectual. I love to think and brood over things and ideas. However, I've also got a very 'intellectualised' practical side. That is, I approach practical things in general in a very systematic, intellectual, perfectionist sort of way! This practical side can show itself in loving beauty and design. I love craft and art that require intricate and delicate work, like Calligraphy (when I do have the time), dollhouse decorating, web-designing (still learning), interior design, sewing and Polyvore! I also love music. I mainly sing, but I do play the guitar, too!

Some aspirations of mine for the future include, for example, being able to travel someday and visit the historical places around the world that I read about so much, and being able to practically use my love for history in a variety of ways that would inspire others to love history and see God's hand in it (still praying to see how that will work out!). However, one of my aspirations or dreams for the near future, as I'm sure is with most university book-loving students, is to get the time to do more 'pleasure' reading, rather than just the 'required' university readings and find time to be more creative!

However, my most deepest prayer and aspiration is to draw closer to my Lord Jesus, and love and serve Him more sincerely and wholeheartedly. I want my will to be united with His in everything I aspire or do.

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?

For me, what makes a true heroine is Godliness, virtue, meekness and humility, quietness of spirit, courage, kindness, self-control, honesty, faithfulness, and loyalty.

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.

Jane Eyre
via Pinterest

I love Jane Eyre. I admire her courage and kindness, but most especially her godly and principled life. I love how she trusted in God and remained faithful to her convictions and principles in spite of the struggles, disappointments, and temptations she encountered throughout her life. I love how deeply she loved Mr. Rochester and how it endured even after his misfortune and disfigurement. She was eventually rewarded for her faithfulness and love by having a happy home with the man who truly loved her.

Lady Helen visiting Sir William Wallace in prison.
via electricscotland.com

I also love Lady Helen, Lord Mar's daughter, in The Scottish Chiefs by Jane Porter. I love her godliness, purity, virtue, courage, loyalty and love. Her story is so moving and tragic. I love the way in which she, in all virtue and purity, loved Wallace and was willing to sacrifice herself for his sake. She was small and looked weak, but really she was full of courage and inner strength. A true heroine and lady indeed!

Margaret Hale
via Pinterest

Margaret Hale in North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell is also one of my favourite literary heroines. I admire her personality, courage, her sense of principle, loyalty, and concern and advocation for the weak and the poor. I admire the way she carried her self and faced life, trusting God, especially during the trying and tragic times of her life. I especially love the way she was able to bring out the buried gentleness and goodness within Mr. Thornton. I think that's what a true heroine and truly virtuous woman does.

Eowyn
via Pinterest

Eowyn, the shield-maiden of Rohan, in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, is another of my favourite heroines. I admire her courage, fearlessness, inner strength, and loyalty. One of the really special things that I also appreciate about her is her journey of reaching contentment within herself and not seeking glorious deeds just for sake of escaping the apparently hopeless situation she was in. Sometimes, we can think there is no hope, when the light is just about to break!

Peggy Bell
via Pinterest

*I can't resist the temptation of adding just one more heroine that I really admire. That is Peggy Bell from Return to Cranford (BBC TV series), based on novellas by Elizabeth Gaskell. I really love Peggy's sweet and tender nature, coupled with her maturity, courage. loyalty, and sacrifice in the midst of many obstacles and setbacks, especially with regards to her wayward and selfish brother and the opposition of family to her engagement to William Buxton. Her charm and character won the admiration of all those around her.

4. Five of your favourite historical novels?

That's a hard choice!

- The Scottish Chiefs, by Jane Porter

- North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell

- Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte

- The Acts of Faith series, by Jannette Oak and Davis Bunn

- A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens

*for a bonus extra: The Martyr of the Catacombs, by James DeMille

5. Out of those five books who is your favourite major character and why?

Frederick Barnard's Sydney Carton

Since I've already mentioned some of my favourite female major characters and why they're so in a previous question, I think I'll choose a hero this time. It is also a hard choice, I must say! I, though, think I would choose Sydney Carton from A Tale of Two Cities. He is not a perfect character, certainly. However, one just pities his weakness and admires his love and sacrifice. I also love how the exchange plot. It's so reminiscent to what Christ did for us, except He was a perfect sacrifice.

6. Out of those five books who is your favourite secondary character and why?

Frederick Barnard's Miss Pross confronting Madame Defarge

I think for this one I would choose Miss Pross also from A Tale of Two Cities. She's is just such a fun character and very interesting. I must say she was an excellent chaperone! I also admire the way she fought off Madam Defarge!
Love this quote:
"'You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,' said Miss Pross, 'in her breathing. 'Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.'" (p. 169)

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to – and what would you plan to do there?

If I planned out my dream vacation, it would most probably last a year or two!! Here are some of the places I'd love to visit someday:

- Canberra, Federal Capital City of Australia. I can't believe I haven't visited it yet!! I'd like to visit above all things:

Parliament House

The Old Parliament House

Australian War Memorial

Lake Burley Griffin

National Museum of Australia

National Library of Australia

Commonwealth Park

Government House

...etc.

- I'd love to visit other Australian states, including Tasmania and Victoria.

- I'd love to visit the Australian Alps

- I'd love to visit New Zealand and see all the places where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed!

- I'd love to visit Europe and visit all the beautiful and historical places...I'd especially love to see Switzerland and Austria!

- I'd love to visit the UK - all regions and all historical places!!!!

I could say much more...but I think I might bore you...

8. What is your favourite time period and culture to read about?

I guess it would be 19th or early 20th century Britain or Early-Modern England.

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation – what is your act comprised of?

I would definitely sing, perhaps also, if I practice well enough, play the guitar. Depending on what the concert is for and who's in the audience, I would sing inspirational Christian songs, good folky music, good traditional pop songs, songs from movies or musicals, and/or classical Church songs (Gregorian, Latin, celtic style).

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?

I think I would choose any of these: Margaret Hale, Elinor Dashwood, Emma Woodhouse, or Eowyn. I love Victorian, Regency, and Medieval costumes very much.

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?

Mmmm...Chocolate! I love chocolate. I personally prefer dark, bitter chocolate best (sometimes with some flavour like mint or orange). I also love chocolate biscuits or cookies, and nice hot chocolate drinks!

12. Favourite author(s)?

- J.R.R. Tolkien

- C.S. Lewis

- Edith Schaffer

- Elizabeth Elliot

- John and Elizabeth Sherrill

- Elizabeth Gaskell

- George Elliot

- Jannette Oak and Davis Bunn

These are just a sample...I honestly can't remember the others at present...

13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?

I would definitely take my iPad with me. This way I would take my music, my videos, the internet and, of course, my books all in one gadget! Nice, isn't it? Of course, I would take a camera as well.

14. In which century were most of the books you read written?

I think most of them were written in the 19th or early 20th centuries.

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…

some literary heroes I consider fitting the title of 'ultimate' hero:
Top (left to right): Sir William Wallace, Mr. Knightley, Theoden King, Mr. Thornton
Bottom (left to right): Aragorn, Mr. William Buxton, Faramir, Samwise Gamgee

Wow! That is a very hard choice! In my opinion the ultimate hero in literature is the one who is a good and honourable gentleman, with strong character and principles and also having a gentle, kind, and magnanimous heart. He is also brave and strong and defends the small, weak and poor. I think Mr. Knightly definitely fits into that category. Mr. William Buxton was also such a hero. I was really moved by the sacrifice he made because of his love for Peggy Bell. Sir William Wallace is also that kind of hero. In the Lord of the Rings I would choose Aragorn, Faramir, Theoden King, and Samwise Gamgee. I would also choose Mr. Thornton. Though not one in the beginning, perhaps, he certainly develops into one as time progresses.

16. Describe your ideal dwelling place.

I think I've got two main images of an ideal dwelling place for me. The first one is ideal for a cooler climate. It would be an English-style, cottage-like dwelling, nice and cosy, warm and snug. It would have a small garden with lots of beautiful flowers and a nice pathway. It would have wood floors, plenty of bookshelves of books, a nice study with a cosy fireplace, reading nooks, and have lots of antique furniture. In other words, a home like Bilbo's home in Bag-End!

The second image of an ideal dwelling place for me would be a white-washed, seaside-style house with a blue roof, blue-framed windows and blue doors. with flower-boxes. The interior would still be cosy and homey, but brighter. It would be also white and blue themed. It would include large windows with window seats, reading nooks and plenty of storage, and bookshelves. This kind of home would be ideal in a warmer climate...perfect for Queensland!

17. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.

Simple elegance, feminine, classy classic-modern European-style look, modest, warm or brighter colours.
(If your interested to find out more see my Polyvore Profile)

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?

No, I don't recall every wanting to do that. There was a certain time when I thought I would have liked to be named something else, but now I wouldn't change my name for anything, except perhaps getting a middle name which, by the way, I don't have!

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is…

My opinion of most dastardly literary villains!
Left: Mr. Heathcliff
Right: Madam Defarge

Yes, that is another tricky one...I think I would choose Madam Defarge in A Tale of Two Cities for her cold-hearted, ruthless revenge, or perhaps, Mr. Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights for his disturbing, sadistic passion for Cathy! There are others, I know, but I just can't remember them right now...I sort of blot them out of my head more easily than heroes or heroines, I guess.

20. Three favourite Non-fiction books?

Actually, I don't think I could really limit it to just three...

- Selected to Live by Johanna Ruth Dobshciner (That's truly my favourite at present...a beautiful, captivating autobiography of a Jewish young lady during WWII in Holland, telling how she survived the Holocaust and her journey to faith in Christ).

- L'Abri by Edith Schaeffer

- Deliver Us From Evil by Ravi Zacharias

- The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias

- The Hidden Art of Homemaking: Creative Ideas for Enriching Everyday Life by Edith Schaeffer

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?

I would pick up a nice book to read, or watch a good movie with my sisters while doing needlework, perhaps, or blog, or create a nice Polyvore set!

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat – in such a way as will best portray your true character.

My dream hat! I don't normally wear hats, but I do love woollen felt berets for winter. For special occasions I'd like to have a nice, small fascinator/cap that would have a small net and a nice floral arrangement, all matching a nice dress.

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.

Well, I think the most significant event that marked my life in the past year would be my very first visit to the United States. I really enjoyed my time in Chicago and I was greatly blessed in a lovely Christian Conference in Wheaton College, where I made new friends and enjoyed lovely spiritual instruction and fellowship. I also got to visit the Wade Centre where I saw the actual desks of Tolkien and Lewis, and got to see Lewis's wardrobe that inspired The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe!

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

"To everything there is a season; a time for every purpose under heaven."

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 (NKJV)

"For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame [or disappointed, as in other versions].'"

Romans 10:11 (NKJV)

"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

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Tom, William, and Bert...Bilbo's Trolls

2013-12-13T12:10:00.002+10:00

Biblo's Trolls: Tom, William, and Bert!
via Google Images.

'Tolkien fever' is in air and the second Hobbit movie, The Desolation of Smug, is almost here...Yay!! Though, we have to wait till the 26th before we can see it here in Australia. We're trying our very best to be patient, but it's hard!!! We're passing the time well, however, enjoying watching the extended edition of first Hobbit movie, An Unexpected Journey, and watching and re-watching all the trailers we can find!! This second one looks really good and very epic, too!

Here is a sneak peak!

I hope you enjoy this fun poem, too. In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring book, Samwise Gamgee composes this song about Bilbo's Trolls.

The Stone Troll

Troll sat alone on his seat of stone,

and munched and mumbled a bare old bone;

For many a year he had gnawed it near,

For meat was hard to come by.

Done by! Gum by!

In a cave in the hills he dwelt alone,

And meat was hard to come by.

Up came Tom with his big boots on.

Said he to Troll: 'Pray, what is yon?

For it looks like the shin o' my nuncle Tim,

As should be a-lyin' in graveyard.

Caveyard! Paveyard!

This many a year has Tim been gone,

And I thought he were lyin' in graveyard.'

'My lad,' said Troll, 'this bone I stole.

But what be bones that lie in a hole?

The uncle was dead as a lump o' head,

Afore I found his shinbone.

Tinbone! Thinbone!

He can spare a share for a poor old troll;

For he don't need his shinbone.'

Said Tom: 'I don't see why the like o' thee

Without axin' leave should go makin' free

With the shank or the shin o' my father's kin;

So hand the old bone over!

Rover! Trover!

Though dead he be, it belongs to he;

So hand the old bone over!'

'For a couple o' pins,' says Troll, and grins,

'I'll eat thee too, and gnaw thy shins.

A bit o' fresh meat will go down sweet!

I'll try my teeth on thee now.

Hee now! See now!

I'm tired o' gnawing old bones and skins;

I've a mind to dine on thee now.'

But just as he thought his dinner was caught,

He found his hands had hold of naught.

Before he could mind, Tom slipped behind

And gave him the boot to larn him.

Warn him! Darn him!

A bump o' the boot on the seat, Tom thought,

Would be the way to larn him.

But harder than stone is the flesh and bone

Of a troll that sits in the hills alone.

As well set your boot to the mountain's root,

For the seat of a troll don't feel it.

Peel it! Heal it!

Old Troll laugh, when he heard Tom groan,

And he knew his toes could feel it.

Tom's leg is game, since home he came,

And his bootless foot is lasting lame;

But Troll don't care, and he's still there

With the bone he boned from its owner.

Doner! Boner!

Troll's old seat is still the same,

And the bone he boned from its owner!

J.R.R. Tolkien

from 'The Adventures of Tom Bombadil,' in Tales From the Perilous Realm

This song is sung by Samwise Gamgee in 'The Ford,' in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Tolkien's Cat?? ...or Simon's Cat? ;)

2013-12-07T23:58:00.001+10:00

Simon's Cat!
via Google Images

I thought it might be good to have a bit of a light-hearted post today. I really enjoy watching 'Simon's Cat' little video clips. I never owned a pet myself, but both sets of my grandparents had very fun and interesting pets. My maternal grandparents had two fun pomeranian dogs, King and Queen. King was my favourite and I enjoyed playing with him very much. My other grandparents had a Siamese cat, Meenoosh. He was the most beautiful, blue-eyed, proud, clever cat I ever saw! Unfortunately, they all died of old age when I was still little, but I've still got many fond memories. I found this fun poem by Tolkien recently. I hope you enjoy!

Cat

The fat cat on the mat

may seem to dream

of nice mice that suffice

for him, or cream;

but he free, maybe,

walks in thought

unbowed, proud, where load

roared and fought

his kin, lean and slim,

or deep in den

in the East feasted on beasts

and tender men.

The giant lion with iron

claw in paw,

and huge ruthless tooth

in gory jaw;

the pard dark-starred,

fleet upon feet,

that oft soft from aloft

leaps on his meat

where woods loom in gloom -

far now they be,

fierce and fee,

and tamed is he;

but fat cat on the mat

kept as a pet,

he does not forget.

J.R.R. Tolkien

from 'The Adventures of Tom Bombadil,' in Tales From the Perilous Realm

Treasuring Our Todays

2013-10-23T00:13:00.000+10:00

via Pinterest

I think the last year of a university degree is usually one of the hardest. Other than the fact that the courses and assignments generally get harder and the expectations higher, I think the most difficult part is actually being so close to the finish line!

Lately, I've been feeling really exasperated and impatient to be done with my studies. My mind is just bursting at the seams with ideas and projects and plans of all the things I wish to do once I'm done with all those readings, assignments, and exams!

At one point I began to notice, however, that this line of thinking was creating in me a sense of discontentment and 'boredom' with my present circumstances and duties. The other day, I was watching with my little sister, Gracie, one of theLittle House on the Prairie episodes ('No Place Like Home' - extended edition). Caroline (Ma) was telling Charles (Pa) that it was time to move back to their home in Walnut Grove after their long stay in the city to help Mary to settle down in the new blind school. It was not easy for them to live in the city. Charles, however, kept saying that things will eventually get better sometime soon and so on. It was then that Caroline said something very important that really convicted my heart. One of the problems with people in that city, she noted, was that they're always looking for something better...'tomorrow', but they miss the joys and blessings of the today and, therefore, 'tomorrow' never really comes! It is an existence of endless 'tomorrows'. How true that is! This perfectly describes the world we live in these days, doesn't it?

This just startled me! I realised that's exactly what I've been doing...looking for something 'better' than what I'm doing now...looking for 'something better'...tomorrow and thus missing the blessings and joys and the opportunities God has given me for today.

Tomorrow will come soon enough if I'm contended and happy in the 'todays' of my life. I need to believe in my Heavenly Father's perfect will for my todays and trust Him for His perfect will for my tomorrows. It brings such relief and peace when I think like that. It's amazing how much of a burden we carry when we try to live only for tomorrow, missing today!

I hope you don't misunderstand me! It is not wrong to hope, dream, imagine, or plan for the future...I don't think I can stop myself from doing that anyway and I think God does want us to look forward to all the things He has in store for us, too. He gave us minds and He does put His will and desires in our hearts in order that we can ask Him to fulfil them. However, I need to have contentment with the now and know that 'To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven,' as it says in Ecclesiastes 3:1. He has a perfect time of fulfilment for everything in our lives!

I'm not there yet, but I'm asking the Lord to help me to rejoice in Him always...even in the things that I'm 'bored' with...with the mundane and common...with the 'valleys', as well as, the 'mountains'!

'Now godliness with contentment is great gain.' I Timothy 6:6

"Music to Inspire" Corner: A Scarlet Cord

2013-09-27T15:10:00.000+10:00

"...Bind this line of scarlet cord in the window..." (Joshua 2: 18 NKJV- my emphasis). For "...you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold...but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish or spot." (I Peter 1:18-19 NKJV- my emphasis)

Recently, I 'stumbled' across a lovely Christian band of four lovely siblings who sing amazing Gospel and Bluegrass music: 'Southern Raised Bluegrass' band!

via Google Images

I really fell in love with them and their music! The love and grace of God truly shines from their faces and heard in their songs. They truly are inspiring. I would like to share two of their songs in this "Music to Inspire" post. Both of these were a great blessing to me and I pray they bless you, too.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

via Google Images

The first song is called, "Scarlet Cord". It's a beautiful, beautiful song that tells of the salvation of the harlot Rahab who escaped the destruction of the city of Jericho, was delivered from her past sinful life, became part of the people of God, and even an honoured ancestor of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah! She had hid the Israelite spies from the Jericho authorities and was told of the way to escape the destruction of the city: by putting a scarlet cord in her window! With this cord, she and her house were saved that day (see Joshua 2:1-24; 6:21-25; Matthew 1:5; and Hebrews 11:31). This scarlet cord stands as a beautiful picture of our salvation in Christ's Blood - 'a scarlet cord for me.' Beautiful!

Scarlet Cord

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvvs2tk0RPU

In Jericho, a woman weeps

Her heart consumed with fear

The city soon would be destroyed

She knew her end was near.

She thought about the things she'd done

And the way she lived her life

Would God have mercy on her soul?

She couldn't reason why.

Then the messengers told of a way

To escape what she deserved

A thread of scarlet in the window

And her life would be preserved.

Refrain:

The Scarlet Cord brought salvation

To Rahab's house that day

And it would stand as a picture

Of the price our Lord would pay.

If you're looking for a way out

Of the Judgement that awaits

The Scarlet Cord of Jesus Blood

Is the only way.

I tried my best but could not sleep

By doubt and fear oppressed

Death could come at any time

But after that what next?

I thought about the things I've done

And the way I lived my life

Would God have mercy on my soul?

I could not reason why.

But God's Word told me of the One

Who died on Calvary

Jesus shed His precious Blood

It's a Scarlet Cord for me.

Refrain:

The Scarlet Cord brought salvation

To Rahab's house that day

And it would stand as a picture

Of the price our Lord would pay.

If you're looking for a way out

Of the Judgement that awaits

The Scarlet Cord of Jesus Blood

Is the only way.

If you're looking for a way out

Of the Judgement that awaits

Oooo....

The Scarlet Cord of Jesus Blood

It's still the only way.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The second song is a beautiful a capella performance of the dear old hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour".

I Need Thee Every Hour

Annie S. Hawks and Robert Lowry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UofNlKmq4UE

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
- Refrain:
  
  I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
  
  Every hour I need Thee;
  
  Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
  
  I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;

Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;

Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;

And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;

Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Truly Scrumptious...Chicken Kiev!

2013-09-22T00:49:00.000+10:00

Earlier this weekend I fancied trying out a new way of cooking and eating chicken! After a little looking around in our stuffed cookbook shelf, internet recipe sites and...uhm..yes, Pinterest..., I decided to try 'Chicken Kiev'. Here is how it turned out and the process by which it magically ended unto this plate in such fashion!!

curtsey photo:
Joy C.

Ingredients:

(Disclaimer: This is my adaption from different recipes for making 'Chicken Kiev')

Main Ingredient:

2 kg Chicken thigh fillets

(This should serve approximately up to 12 people with perhaps some left overs)

Note: In most 'Chicken Kiev' recipes, Chicken breasts are used instead. I prefer thigh fillet for their tenderness

The Filling:

2 Chopped shallots

A handful of Fresh parsley

2 Silver beets or Spinach

2 Cloves of garlic, minced

200g butter

Salt to taste

Crumbing and Frying:

4-5 Eggs, lightly beaten (or as many as needed for crumbing)

1-3 cups of milk or water (as much as needed)

Plain flour (I used wholemeal plain flour)

Fine dry breadcrumbs (I used brown rice breadcrumbs)

Parmesan cheese (grated)

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil and butter for frying

curtsey photo:
Joy C.

Directions:

Filling:

1. In a small bowl, combine and blend the butter with the shallots, parsley, and garlic – create sort of a paste; set aside. Remember to add salt and pepper to taste.

2. Keep mixture cool in the fridge.

Crumbing Preparation:

3. In a shallow bowl stir together egg and water/milk; set aside.

4. Place flour in another shallow bowl; set aside.

5. Mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese and place in a third shallow bowl; set aside.

Chicken Preparation:

6. Place chicken thigh fillets between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and using the flat side of a meat mallet pound chicken lightly into a rectangle or use your hands to flatten.

7. Remove plastic wrap and then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

8. Place one-fourth of the butter filling mixture/paste onto the chicken.

9. Fold in sides; roll up. If really needed fasten openings with a toothpick.

10. Repeat with remaining chicken

Crumbing and Frying:

11. Coat chicken rolls with flour (season flour).

12. Dip in egg and milk mixture.

13. Coat with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese mixture.

14. Coat with flour again.

15. Dip in egg and milk mixture again.

16. Coat with additional breadcrumbs and cheese.

17. Make sure to coat ends well to seal in the butter.

18. Place coated chicken in rectangular baking dish, cover and chill for 1 to 24 hours. This is really important. It helps prevent the stuffing oozing out from chicken roll during frying.

19. In large frying pan, melt some butter over medium-high heat; add oil.

20. Add chilled chicken rolls. Cook about 5 minutes or until golden brown, turning to brown all sides.

21. Place rolls in baking dish. Bake, uncovered, until chicken is no longer pink.

22. Spoon any dripping over rolls.

23. Now you can serve with steamed vegetables, and any sauces you prefer...such as white or mushroom sauce.

So, this is how it all turned out as you see in the photos! I must say I enjoyed making it and...eating it, too, I must add!!!

Note: This recipe was based on How to Make Chicken Kiev and Chicken Kiev.

Dollhouse Decorating (Part 1)

2013-09-14T22:49:00.000+10:00

After a much-needed and refreshing 3 month term-break from Uni, I'm back to a full study schedule of readings, research, books, assignments, computer screens, files,...and, well, you get the idea! It is exciting, but challenging to be sure.

During my break I enjoyed doing many things I had wanted to do for a very long time. For example, one of those really special things I managed to do was to hone my singing skills and techniques (but more on that in some later post). One other thing I really enjoyed doing, was decorate my little sister's dollhouse! Since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of doing this. I love decorating and interior design. This was a great opportunity to try it on a nice, very small scale. I was also particularly inspired by Emma J.'s work of customising and decorating playmobil houses and Cherrybrook Village: A Sylvanian Families Fan Site.

I thought I'd like to show you something of my humble attempts to decorate my sister's dollhouse! Perhaps, it can inspire you if you've got a similar hobby.

Here is the dollhouse...A Sylvanian House on a Hill... It is quite suitable for playmobil figures, too.

The Dollhouse!

Here is how it all turned out...

The back-side of the house...

The side-part of the house...

The hardest to work on were both the attic and the winding staircase!

The attic children's bedroom...

A closer look at the attic...

Carpeting the winding staircase was a real challenge...

To give the impression of shinny tiles, I covered the wallpaper and flooring of both the kitchen and bathroom with cello-tape.

The Kitchen!

The Bathroom!

*******************

Here is how I went about decorating this nice little dollhouse!

Dollhouse Tutorial (Part 1)

Step 1 - Tools I used:

Rulers
Pencils and eraser
Scissors
Cello-tape (normal sticky tape)
A Cutter
A cutting board (or quilting board)
Paper (for creating templates)
Double-sided, Acid-Free sticky tape (available from Craft/Art stores or hardware store)
Wet Sponge and towel
A colour printer

Step 2:

Using a damp sponge, I made sure the surface of the walls was clean. Then, I made sure it was dry.

Step 3:

Then, using some paper, I made a template of all the walls of the room. I needed to make it as accurate as possible. This way I wouldn't run into problems and waste the real wallpaper.

Step 4:

Making a template of the windows was always trickiest thing. (See image 4 to see how I did it!)

Step 5:

For wallpaper, I browsed the internet for dollhouse decorating and miniature websites and found many printable wallpaper to use - all for free!

Here are some links:

Jenny's Free Printable Dollhouse Wallpaper (my favourite)

Morandi Sisters

Mis Papeles a Escala 1:12

My Obsession (Gives more links)

Choosing the right wallpaper was also a challenging step. I had to always take into consideration the dollhouse furniture, the style, the colours, and the historical era I wanted the house to be customised into.

Whenever I found a suitable wallpaper, I downloaded it (or 'Saved as') to my computer. Using a photo-editing programme (such as Photoshop or a free online one - Picmonkey), I enhanced, edited and 'mix-'n'-matched' various wallpapers and borders to create my own new styles.

Finally, with a bit of trial and error, I managed to find the print settings and scale required for printing the wallpaper.

Steps 6, 7, & 8:

The next step after finding and printing the wallpaper, was cutting it out (using the templates made in steps 3 and 4).

Then, I placed double-sided sticky tape on the back of the cut-out wallpaper.

Steps 9-12:

The next step was to remove the covering from the sticky-tape on the back of the wallpaper one section at a time and stick it to the wall, carefully, one bit a time. This is very important!

I did this with all the walls...and here is the final result! What do you think?

Using the same steps, I finished the walls of all the other rooms and used the same steps for putting carpeting on the floors...using felt and the double-sided sticky tape.

The last step remaining is to put suitable curtains and put back all the furniture. So, keep a look out for another post from me when I finally get to finish it. Gracie, my sister, is just so excited with this project...and I must admit...me, too!

"Music to Inspire" Corner: How Can I Keep From Singing?

2013-07-18T00:05:00.003+10:00

"Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us."

~Martin Luther~

Music and singing are an absolute delight for me. I can't imagine a world without them. The wonderful thing is that I believe God thinks the same way, too! He created music and gave us voices to sing. He wants us to make music for Him and to sing to Him day and night like it is in Heaven. Heaven itself is music, glorious music! The angels before His throne praise, worship, and adore Him day and night with music and song. The saints in heaven also sing a beautiful song (see Revelation 15:3). The Bible is full of songs and psalms and exhortations to sing and make melody to Him. Playing music and singing was central in the worship of the Lord in the Temple. There were orchestras and choirs. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to praise the Lord and to speak to each other 'in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord' (Ephesians 5:19 NKJV). It also says that God is 'enthroned in the praises of Israel,' His people (see Psalm 22:3 NKJV).

Music is a gift from God to mankind. Good, wholesome music and singing can be very powerful. It sets our souls sailing to the Heavens. It gives voice to the deepest feelings and emotions of the soul and heart in ways that plain, spoken words alone sometimes fail to do. I personally find that God ministers to my heart in very special ways through music and song. I think that our inner desire for the transcendent, for that 'thing' that is greater than us...that which draws us in and takes us to greater heights, above this earthliness of things...gives us the awe and the wonder; shows us the Glory of Him Who created us and made us in His image. Yes, something that inspires us...

That's why I've decided to join Joy's 'Music to Inspire' series (Fullness of Joy). I think it's a great way to share with you my love of music and singing.

I play the guitar...though, I'm not that good at it as yet...still working on those sticky bar-chords! However, what I love to do most is sing. When I do, I just 'feel His pleasure', as Eric Liddell says in the movie Chariots of Fire!! So, join with me as I share with you the songs that bless me.

[Note: The music I'll be sharing will include hymns, songs (including those that are 'overtly' Christian and those that are not necessarily so...those wholesome, beautiful 'secular' ones, too), movie soundtracks (though that does not necessarily mean I've watched or promote the movie itself), and good, fun folky music!]

************************

For my first post, I'll share with you two beautiful songs from Libera, a beautiful boys choir in London.

The first one beautifully expresses why I often feel that urge in my heart to sing...'The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart/ A Fountain ever springing;/ All things are mine since I am His,/ How can I keep from singing?'...Yes, how can I keep from singing? How can you?

"How Can I Keep From Singing?"

by Robert Wadsworth Lowry

My life flows on in endless song,
Above earth's lamentation.
I hear the real though far-off hymn,
That hails a new creation.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging,
It sounds an echo in my soul,
How can I keep from singing?

What though the tempest round me roars,
I know the truth, it liveth,
What though the darkness round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging,
Since love is lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?

I lift my eyes, the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smooths,
Since first I learned to love it.

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing;
All things are mine since I am his,
How can I keep from singing?
Singing?
Singing?

*****************************************************

The second song is also from Libera.

It's a song of praise.

I love this verse especially...

We hear a distant music
It comes with fuller swell
For the angels here are human
Not the shining hosts above
For the drumbeats of the army
Are the heartbeats of our love

"Exsultate!"

There's a light upon the mountains
And the day is at the spring
When our eyes shall see the wonder
And the glory it will bring

Et laudate Domino in laetitia

[And Praise the Lord with Joyfulness]
Et cantate Domino gloria

[And sing 'Glory' to the Lord]

Saecula et saeculorum
Alleluia

[Through Endless Ages, Alleluia]

Hark, we hear a distant music
And it comes with fuller swell
Tis the glorious song of heaven
And our fears it will dispel

Et laudate Domino in laetitia

[And Praise the Lord with Joyfulness]
Et cantate Domino gloria

[And sing 'Glory' to the Lord]
Saecula et saeculorum
Alleluia

[Through Endless Ages, Alleluia]

Exsultate Domino omnis Populi
Alleluia

[Rejoice in the Lord, all ye nations, Alleluia]
Jubilate Domino omnis Terra

Alleluia

[Be joyful in the Lord, all ye earth, Alleluia]

Et laudate Domino in laetitia

[And Praise the Lord with Joyfulness]
Et cantate Domino gloria

[And sing 'Glory' to the Lord]
Saecula et saeculorum
Alleluia

[Through Endless Ages, Alleluia]

Angeli et archangeli, psallite et laudate

[Angles and Archangels, sing out Your praise]
Angeli et archangeli, psallite et laudate

[Angles and Archangels, sing out Your praise]In hymnis et psalmis et canticis

[In hymns, in psalms, and in songs]

We hear a distant music
It comes with fuller swell
For the angels here are human
Not the shining hosts above
For the drumbeats of the army
Are the heartbeats of our love

Exsultate Domino omnis Populi
Alleluia

[Rejoice in the Lord, all ye nations, Alleluia]
Jubilate Domino omnis Terra
Alleluia

[Be joyful in the Lord, all ye earth, Alleluia]

Et laudate Domino in laetitia

[And Praise the Lord with Joyfulness]
Et cantate Domino gloria

[And sing 'Glory' to the Lord]
Saecula et saeculorum
Alleluia

[Through Endless Ages, Alleluia]

Angeli et archangeli, psallite et laudate

[Angles and Archangels, sing out Your praise]
Angeli et archangeli, psallite et laudate

[Angles and Archangels, sing out Your praise]
In jubila

[In joyfulness]

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Chicago Trip 2013 (Part 2)

2013-07-12T12:41:00.000+10:00

Are you ready for Part 2 of a glimpse into my last month's USA trip? If you haven't seen Part 1 yet, please, do so.

Well, during the first week, we (my mum, my aunt, and me) spent our time in downtown Chicago. We toured the city and enjoyed seeing many different places, including the Adler Planetarium, the Shed Aquarium, the John Hancock Building Observatory (see photos in last post!), Navy Pier, and Macy's Store on State Street (the one with the mosaic ceiling and the vintage-looking clock!). We also went on the double-decker tourist bus and a river cruise and enjoyed sightseeing and learning about the different buildings in Chicago and their history. It was real fun!

The second week we spent it in Wheaton College, IL. (about 1 hour by car west of downtown Chicago) for a Christian Conference. It was an amazing week and we were greatly blessed. Perhaps I'll share some highlights of those spiritual blessings sometime in a future post. However, today, I'll show you a glimpse of the Wheaton College Campus. Wheaton College is full of history...Billy Graham was one of its illustrious alumni, as well as such missionaries as Jim and Elizabeth Elliot, and most of the other missionaries who were martyred with Jim Elliot in Ecuador...just to name a few.

It's a beautiful college...not only in the natural, scenic way, but also in its spiritual heritage and present influence.

Beautiful, peaceful college grounds...It was just lovely spending my 'quiet time' there sometimes...so peaceful.

'The Castle'...beautiful, isn't it?

The Fountain!

One of my favourite places in Wheaton College was The Marion E. Wade Centre...a museum and research centre for the works of seven British Christian authors: Owen Barfield, G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Dorothy L. Sayers, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams! A paradise for anyone who's interested in these great writers and their works! Guess what I saw in this centre, too...

Well! Can you guess what this is?
It's the wardrobe that was in C.S. Lewis' home.
It's the one that inspired The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe!!

Yes, the coats!!!

I just loved this warning sign they put on the door of the wardrobe...
"Warning! Enter at your own risk. The Wade Centre assumes no responsibility for persons who disappear
or are lost in the wardrobe."
LOL!!!

C.S. Lewis' desk and bust!! The one on which he wrote his works, including the Narnia books...

J.R.R. Tolkien's desk!! The one on which he wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings!

At first I wondered why this lamp post was lit in the middle of the day...and then,
I got it! The Narnia Lamp Post!!!

Another place I really loved in Wheaton was the Billy Graham Museum. Unfortunately, it's impossible to really portray what I saw there in photos...one has to enjoy the exhibitions in person...they're just amazing! But here is just one example...

An amazing experience to pass through this narrow cross-shaped passage to get to the cross.

As you can see, Wheaton College campus has quite amazing things! It's really worth visiting.

I really hope you enjoyed these photos!

Chicago Trip 2013 (Part 1)

2013-07-10T12:52:00.000+10:00

Mum and I just came back last month from our very first trip to the US. It was a really wonderful trip! The Lord really blessed it with His goodness and guidance. It was a really long trip, though - a 13-hour non-stop flight from Brisbane, Australia, to LA and then from LA to Chicago via Dallas, not counting the hours spent between flights in airports, and the same trip back home! It was long and by the end we were just totally feeling all wobbly and exhausted...but it was an excited sort of wobbliness, I guess. I can say that it all proved to be really worth it!

Unfortunately, we only had the time to visit in Illinois the entire trip. However, we enjoyed visiting Chicago and also enjoyed a lovely stay in Wheaton College in Wheaton IL. for a Christian Conference. It was a marvellous time! Mum and I also got to have a wonderful time with my aunt (Mum's sister) who was also visiting the US at that same time!

Now, one of things I really enjoyed in Chicago and Wheaton was the history. We went on an architectural land and river cruise which was absolutely amazing. The tour guides were really good and I learned a great deal...especially about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It was just amazing to see and learn how the city grew out of those horrific ashes.

Here are some of the highlights of this trip...in photos!

Chicago Cityscape and Lake Michigan!
Photo taken in front of the Adler Planetarium.

Chicago Cityscape and Lake Michigan
Don't you love the colours of this cityscape! Beautiful!

Chicago and Lake Michigan
- from the 95th floor of
the John Hancock Building Observatory!

Chicago Cityscape
from the 95th floor of the
John Hancock Building Observatory!

Courtyard and Fountain
Fourth Presbyterian Church
N. Michigan Ave.

Courtyard
Fourth Presbyterian Church
N. Michigan Ave.

Beautiful Mosaic Ceiling and Arches! Looks quite Byzantine to me...not sure...beautiful anyway!
Macy's Store on State Street.

The Clock!
Macy's Store on State Street.

A closer look...The Clock!
Macy's Store on State Street

I hope you enjoyed these photos. Please, come back soon to see part 2 of this post...more photos waiting...next time I'll be showing you...well, you'll find out soon!

A New Way to Follow My Blog - Bloglovin'

2013-07-03T22:29:00.002+10:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Rumours are flying like sparks in blogsphere that Blogger is changing the way you can 'follow' a blog. I'm not 100% sure this is true. However, if Blogger 'friends' disappears, you can still get blog updates by following my blog on Bloglovin...It'll make me real happy if you do!

Thanks!

Tagging Fun!

2013-06-28T13:06:00.000+10:00

via Fullness of Joy

I think one of the best ways for you to get to know me a little better and me getting to know you better, too, is by playing blog tag!

Joy, my younger sister (from Fullness of Joy), asked me to join in her blog-party tag game.

'Tis true that the questions are bit literary and directed mainly to writers. However, I'll answer them as best as I can. So, please just relax and enjoy my clumsy attempts at playing tag!!

Tag Questions:

1. Pretending if need be that you never read any of those titles, (unless you actually haven’t), which book-title intrigues you the most that it would make you abandon all the others and read THAT one book...? Roverandom, The Keys of the Kingdom, That Hideous Strength, The Conflict of Religions in the Early Roman Empire, With Christ in the School of Prayer, Kidnapped, The Ballad of the White Horse, The Robe, The Man Who Was Thursday, or Surprised by Joy...?

Mmmm...I know quite a few of those titles already... My immediate choice would definitely be, The Keys of the Kingdom or The Robe! However, I can't use these titles for this question because I know what the books are about already!
So, I think I would probably choose The Man Who Was Thursday...it's got a rather intriguing title...mysterious...The man who was Thursday???? Yeah, I think this is interesting...

2. How do you reconcile yourself with an offended cat? (Tell a clueless girl, here!)

Wow! That is an interesting question! Well, I can't say I've had much experience with house cats...hardly any in fact! However, I do remember what my Granny used to tell us about her Siamese cat.

An offended cat, I believe, should be left quite alone if possible, especially if its in an agitated mood...

However, I think a cat could be won back by giving it its favourite food. What do you think...I'd like to know from an expert!

3. Can you describe to us in a seven-word sentence your current surroundings using the five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch? Otherwise you can name in order the thirteen dwarf characters in The Hobbit without looking the info up online. ‘Tis your choice, you know!

Well, I think I'll go for the second option!
Here I go:

1. Dwalin
2. Balin
3. Fili
4. Kili
5. Bifur
6. Bofour
7. Bombour
8. Oin
9. Gloin
10. uh...mmmm...uh...what's his name?....uh...I think it's...uh...Dori! Yes, I think this was it...
11. Nori
12. Ori
13. Thorin

Well...I believe I've named all thirteen, but I'm not sure they're 'in order'...what do you think?

4. Tea or Coffee? Or lemonade?

Tea...especially in winter...I'm having a good one as I'm writing now!
I'd probably prefer a lemonade in summer over a cup of hot tea, though.

5. Do you think your writing voice and style on your blog (or novel) is so very different from your normal, day-to-day voice and personality? Or is almost identical?

No, I think my writing voice and style on my blogs tend to be from a bit to very different from my normal, day-to-day voice and personality...especially in my other history blog, Beacons of the Past, which tends to be much more formal and academic. I hope to make my writing style in this blog to be closer to me in 'real' life. However, this is a challenge for a meticulous history student!! So, please, bear with me!

6. Puddleglum or Mr. Tumnus?

I would say Puddleglum! I love that character! Such a loveable, humerous character - a happy, eternal pessimist! What a combination!

7. Which of the seasons, spring, summer, autumn, or winter, appeals to you most in a literary sense and inspires you to write?

I'm not a 'writer' as such...but I love autumn and spring very much....they both represent endings and beginnings and often bring refreshment from the seasons that often weary us. Autumn and Spring are very special in colours...that's when creation put on it's best garbs.

Just a note: actually, I may not be inspired to write about the seasons as much as to sing about them!

8. Cast your mind back to childhood, what was your favourite Old Testament Bible character as a child? What was your most dearly loved Bible Account? Why?

I think I would choose the story of Joseph. I never failed to be intrigued by the how God shaped the story of Joseph - how He guided Him through all the twists and turns, valleys and mountains of his life and also how Joseph remained faithful to God even when God seemed to 'hide' His face from him. What always fascinated me was in seeing a shadow of Christ in the life of Joseph...most notably in revealing himself to his estranged brothers who had cruelly betrayed him into slavery.

I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life...And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. (Genesis 45: 4-8 NKJV)

This part never fails to bring tears to my eyes...what faith and forgiveness!
So, yes. Joseph was and still is my favourite OT character.

9. What are some of the films/books or songs that make you tear-up or cry the most (be it because it is so beautiful, or really sad or tragic, etc), tell us why they do that; do you actually like to cry in a movie/book?

Yes, I do like to cry in a movie or when reading a book. It's quite special when that happens. It means the movie/book are deep enough to have touched my inner heart and life.

I think the movies that make me tear-up the most are, first, the The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, because it is so beautiful, so sad, and so joyful...all at the same time; second, Les Miserables, because it's such a touching human story of love, pain, suffering, forgiveness, and redemption...it beautifully demonstrates the light that shines in the utterest darkness...the hope of redemption, salvation, and resurrection, and the beauty of grace vs. the Law without mercy; and third, The Keys of the Kingdom, because it is so genuine, pure, and good.

With books, that is much rarer, and that varies when reading each from time to time....So, it's difficult to name one...at least at present...

10. Do you have any special literary goals or dreams that you wish you could accomplish as a writer during your lifetime (besides publishing, that is!)?

Well, as an historian-in the making, I hope to research and write on topics that are dear to my heart...on eras that I enjoy the most...especially on the Reformation and the Post-Reformation Period, usually called the Early Modern Period by historians, especially on the English Civil War and the Puritans.

11. If you are a writer, which one of your characters’ internal makeup most echoes a likeness or similitude to you? If you have none of your own – what other fictional character (book/film) does? Explain your answer.

I think I'll pass this question as it is directed more to fictional story writers...which I certainly am not!

12. Excuse me for another Tolkien reference, but I couldn't help it, alas! Which of the five Middle-earth hobbits do you identify with the most: Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry, or Pippin?

That's difficult to decide. I think I identify with a little from all five... I think Bilbo and Frodo would probably be the most that I have most to identify with...in different ways and at different moments of their lives.

13. What special topic do you relish talking/writing about the most? Like – like a tap that can instantly be turned on... please, do tell!

My family would probably have very little difficulty in figuring that out! What else?...Oliver Cromwell and his extraordinary legacy in history, of course!
But no, I don't think I'll let myself fall into the trap of 'turning on the tap' on this topic now, lol! It's rather late at night for me to do that...If you're interested for a glimpse, though, you could visit my history blog, Beacons of the Past. It'll give you a little bit of an introduction!

14. Make your choice, adventurous Stranger; Strike the bell and bide the danger, Or wonder, till it drives you mad, What would have followed if you had. – The Bell and the Hammer, C.S. Lewis ...thus said the inscription next to the bell in that mysterious place in which Polly and Digory came upon, in The Magician’s Nephew. If you had been in their place, would you have taken the adventure of ringing the golden bell as Digory did (not knowing that the White Witch would be awakened) or would you have acted sensibly like Polly but risked being driven mad by the thought of ‘what if’ when you were back home in England?

That's a tricky question, because I'm ashamed to say I'm not sure of the answer! I like to think I'd be sensible and cautious in a situation like that...but I also know that I could be rather adventurous and too curious for my own good at times...so, I really don't know how that would turn out...
But it's a very interesting question...makes you think...

15. What is that which makes you keep blogging and writing in general in the times when your blog/and or you yourself are at a low ebb? Do you like taking breaks from blogging or miss your followers too much?

I'm not a very good blogger in general. However, I think it's because my life as a student has not been giving me the opportunity to be more regular.
To be honest, my experience with my history blog, Beacons of the Past, was quite mixed in the area of interaction with readers. I guess it's because it's more of an academic blog and about history. It's not a very 'personal' blog, so, I guess, readers took it as such. I got very little comments and very few 'followers'. So, yes, I've had a lot of disappointments in that area and I have had to (and still have to) learn not to rely on this as a measure of 'success'.
What has your experience in this area been like? I'm really interested in your thoughts and ideas!

**********************************

Wow! That was fun! I hope you enjoyed my faltering attempt at answering those questions. I also hope you've come to know a little bit more about me from them.

I know that the game Tag requires me to pass on the game with questions of my own.
I will definitely be doing this. But since this has been a long post already, I'll post my questions in another post sometime later!