Experimental Shots

Over the past week I've been having heaps of fun with my new camera. Even though it's only a point and shoot i must say i've been pretty impressed as i've tested out a few of its manual functions. So I thought i'd share a few more pics that weren't sunsets

Out of the Black Shadows

Those of you who know me will know that I'm not a reader. My philosophy in life has been 'if it's worth reading, they'll make a movie of it'. I figure, watching the movie is not only quicker than reading, it's visual and i won't get a headache from hours of staring at pages on a book.

Well, between Christmas and New Years last year, i went away with some friends from college and i was recommended to read an autobiography by Stephen Lungu called Out of the Black Shadows. Given that we weren't doing anything during the days i really had no good excuse not to read it. Plus I was intrigued by hearing my friends brief explanation of how Stephen became a Christian after heading to an evangelistic meeting with the intention of throwing petrol bombs into the tent, but as he heard the gospel message preached that night, instead of causing devastation, he accepted Christ.

After my record of taking 7 1/2yrs to read A Call to Spiritual Reformation, i can say i was shocked that even I managed to read this book in less than a week! It was an amazing encouragement and reminder to see how God can use the 'weak' things of this world to bring glory to himself. It doesn't matter that Stephen was abandoned as a child, slept under bridges, had to scrounge for food from peoples garbage bins, was never taught to read or write as a child, or was even ready to be a terrorist and kill Christians, God can and does use him to be bringing the good news of the gospel to the world! As i read this book, i was constantly challenged how God works in the most unexpected ways, of my attitude and judgement of others, to be generous to those in need, as well being reminded of the danger in cross cultural work as he tells plenty of great stories of cross-cultural miscommunications. I can't believe that i'm saying this, but i'd recommend if you get a chance to read this book, to do so. if i can read it in a week, i'm sure anyone else could read it in less than that!

Sunset Pics

So now that I'm back home and have a new toy, I'm really enjoying the chance to try and capture some of the most amazing sunsets. So I thought that i'd share a few of the shots with you.

A few highlights of the past couple months in pictures

Unfortunately I've been a bit slack in taking photos over the past couple years due to an old camera that was on its way out and the inability to decide on what new camera to get. So I've had to rely on the generosity of friends to share their photos, but hopefully those days are now over with a new Christmas present which will let me take my own photos :)

Anyway, here are a few highlights of the past months antics and new years celebrations with a big thanks to Don for many of the photos.

The last days of SMBC


I accidentally hit some random button on the camera as I took this photo but it came out with an awesome effect that I just can't seem to replicate


With College friends at a wedding


Graduating from SMBC


The SMBC Graduates of 2011

Christmas

first Christmas with the extended Chen family in a LONG time

Hanging With Friends


Chilling out at The Entrance


Food is always important - Homemade Sushi


Feasting on pork spare ribs


Hanging with Don, Bridge & Kath

New Years Eve


Chilling out on the balcony on NYE


One of the highlights of the night was a skywriter who began writing "Are you going to heaven?" (even though our shot only managed to get 'are you going to heave') haha



"How?"


The answer..."Trust Christ"


And we know this from the Bible in "John 3:16"


Everyone watching the skywriter


Still have the knack for sneaking into photos


The Bridge on NYE


Watching the fireworks with friends


Watching the fireworks


The Bridge at NYE


but not everyone lasted the whole night...


Mollymook


Mollymook Beach


Chilling with Tan


Matt & Lachie chilling out on the beach


At Mollymook Beach with Annika


experimenting 'action' shots with my new toy


Celebrating Lachies 2nd Birthday with a cake made of fried pancake mix and maltesers.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!

So 2011 is now over and 2012 has now begun. After a nice relaxing holiday with college friends at the Central Coast between Christmas and New Years where i even managed to read a whole book in a week (and no, it wasn't a little golden book), I got to welcome in the new year with friends at my place. My college housemate and I got to put on a braai (South African for BBQ using a Weber - or should I say 'Wieber'), and even got to experiment in cooking a 1.5kg pork shoulder which to our surprise, and relief, worked out really well. Then we watched the fireworks, played Wii, chatted, laughed, ate waaaay too much and had a really nice chilled out night.


The Braai with our pork and Boerewors


With Don, Bridgie and Kath on NYE

It's both exciting and scary to think about what this year, and the future, has in store. There are so many changes that will be happening in the next few months - preparations for heading back to Thailand, saying goodbyes to friends and family, moving over to Thailand and getting back into life over there. It's been a real blessing however, to be more excited about heading back rather than nervous and scared about the unknown that awaits. Over the past few weeks, God has given me a real peace and excitement about heading back. Many of the things that i imagine would usually cause more stress and anxiety in heading overseas feel like they have been taken away as God has steadily provided churches and friends to be supporting and partnering with me as I head back to Thailand. I've still got more Partnership Development to do which can be a daunting thought at times, but God's constant provisions so far have been a constant reminder to me that he is truly in control and sovereign over all things and will provide all we need. One thing i heard in a recent sermon from the book of James that has been challenging me is to be thinking about how i live my life now in light of Jesus' return. It definitely puts a whole new perspective on the way i view many of my momentary troubles and the way i know i should live my life now.

Over the next couple months before i head, i'm really looking forward to spending time with friends, sharing about the things God has been teaching me and ways he's been working, and the ways i hope that he might be able to use me in the future. I'm also hoping to get in a few more bike rides, sloth nights, maybe try out a few more pork shoulder recipes (or other random recipes i manage to think up) before i head off too. It's looking more likely that i'll be heading off late March now, but i'll keep you posted.

For those of you praying, please pray:
- praise God for the past 2 years that i've been able to spend at college and all that he has taught me
- praise God for his provisions over the past couple months in heading back to Thailand
- for wisdom in how i use my time in the next couple months, that i'll be able to spend quality time with people and be an encouragement to others
- that God will raise up people to be partnering with me in prayer and financially as i head back to Thailand
- that God will be preparing the way as i head back to Thailand with all the practicalities - visas, plane tickets etc