Author: marlytheadoptee

Posted in Blogging, Church, July, my thoughts, Pokemon, praise and worship, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 25 – Gather

Gather, to gather… It’s a grouping word.  Right?  I think it’s important to get likeminded people together at times so they can bounce off each other.  So, that they can talk and be themselves.  That’s how I work at least.  When I’m amongst people I am comfortable with I come out of my little introvert shell and you cannot shut me up.  However, put me in a room filled with people that I have no connection to?  I become reserved and quiet.  
The term “gathering” invokes in me an image of a large group of people, though it can mean small groups too.  I prefer the smaller type, though as I feel safer in small groups.  However, by the same token, a large group is easier to hide in.   I like to observe others in larger crowds; people-watching can be fun.  The different personalities in a room can liven the atmosphere.  
I’m not really sure what I’m trying to get at in this post, just writing what springs to mind, I guess.
Gather can also mean to draw together, I guess that’s why they call it gathering flowers, hey?  But yes, back to the groups of people, particular events can be the reason people are drawn together.  
Parties, concerts, other life events.  All my family and friends gathered for my wedding; friends gathered at my bestie’s for her housewarming.  Events such as these mark special moments in life.  And then there are spontaneous gatherings such as those that form when people are playing Pokemon Go around Perth… Someone found a Pikachu! 

Speaking of Pokemon Go…I haven’t downloaded it and I want either…I have this game to play instead…
Yes, that’s Pokemon White, Version 2.  Who needs Pokemon Go when you have a 3DS?  I’m “old school”.  Haha.  Whatever that means.  I am 30…. Three months until I turn 31.  Scary.  And I still play Pokemon.  Go figure.  Still, not surprising.  The majority of Pokemon Go players are in the 20s to 30s anyway…so I’m in good company.  Haha.  So, gather away.  
One of the best gatherings though is that of the Church.  I went to church yesterday, on my lonesome. Hubby was sleeping.  The message was on point (Life may hurt, but God will use it to bring about His purposes in our lives) and worship…wow.  It was what I needed to remind me of God’s providence and that He is central to everything in my life.  Some beautiful songs of praise and worship are coming out of the Riverview Worship Team.  Your Love and Deeper are so uplifting and covered by God’s grace.  Awesome.
I leave you with these lyrics from Deeper 

‘Your love is taking me deeper,
Your love is pulling me closer…’
‘Deeper’ by Riverview Worship.
Hear more here: tiny.cc/rwmusic


Posted in Blogging, day 23, day 24, EP, fan fiction, fiction, July, stay, word a day, Writing

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 23 – Alone

I’m never really alone.  Ever.  Even in the loneliest of times I remember that I have God on my side and that’s an amazing truth to me.  However, there have been times when I have felt terribly alone.  When I lost my job in 2014.  When my husband is in hospital.  Those are the times I felt the most alone.  But, here’s the rub, being around people does not cure the feeling of being alone.  You can feel alone even in a room filled with people.
Aloneness is not dependent on how many people there are or are not in a room.  It’s actually a state of being.  If you have nothing in common with the people in the room, then you can feel just as alone.  If you have no connection then you might as well be an island in the middle of a grand ocean.  And I think that’s why that having the knowledge that I belong to a loving God works to chase away that sense of loneliness.  God has promised to always be with me even through the deep valleys of my life. And that is a promise I cling to and give thanks for every day.
Day 24 – Summer

I am going to do a fictional vignette for this word.  But, before I do, let’s just say that I wish it was summer right now.  I am so over winter.  Anyway, without further ado, here’s EP (Evil Pierre Bouvier… :P) with his thoughts…they may just be illuminating.


EP

We met in the warmer months leading up to the Australian summer.  At a bar in Queensland.  I’d left the rest of the guys back at the hotel and found myself in a bar near to the venue.  She was sitting at the bar, very much alone.  Later on, she told me that her friends had walked out on her for some reason I can’t remember (she would tell you that is was me who was the one alone…but this is how I remember it).  That pissed me off, no end.  Anything could’ve happened to her…
I guess I happened to her.  But, that’s not a bad thing, though if you knew our past since that meeting…well, perhaps you’d beg to differ.  But, anyway…
She was there.  And something made me walk up and sit by her side.  The way her eyes widened as I came into her line of sight…let’s just say my jeans felt a bit tight after that…
She was a fan of the band…was wearing one of our tour shirts.  She also mentioned going to the gig.  I’m not really sure if any of that registered, though as I was more interested in checking her out.  I knew, even then, that I wanted her.  You know exactly what I mean.  I wanted to feel her skin against mine, to taste her…to touch her, to get inside her.  And I’d just met the chick… 
I still have no explanation as to why or how any of this was possible.  Soul mate is not a term I ascribe to, though Pierre says that’s exactly what it was.  Our souls (all our soul…Pierre….me…) were connected by slender threads of our auras in inexplicable ways.  
Too esoteric perhaps?  
Anyway, that night…I took charge.  Invited her back to my room.  She was reluctant…so I made her promise to keep in touch.  We traded numbers and emails… Best decision I’d ever made…
Fast forward a year.  Another gig.  Different country.  Different city.  I got Pat to be the go-between and he executed my plan perfectly.  VIP backstage pass, Pat brought her backstage to meet the band and then I asked her out to dinner.   Those luminous eyes were once again wide open, taking me in, taking the dining experience in…taking everything in.  
And I waited for the right moment…
Sometimes I wonder if I pushed too hard that first night.  Sometimes, I even feel some guilt.  But, from all indications, she was into it.  And today she would tell me that I gave her exactly what she needed, even though she hadn’t realised she even needed it until that point.  I guess it’s not easy to come to the conclusion that you’re of a particular personality type, especially when it comes to something as intimate as your sex life…and your whole being… But, she’s submissive in the bedroom, and that fuels the Dominant in me… 
It’s taken many years for us to be truly comfortable in our roles, and fully trusting to each other.  It’s why she spent so many years with Pierre, and the others, and not with me.  I broke a lot of trust in the early years…was a horrible person…and I still can be…but, I check myself now.  I don’t want to be that controlling SOB that I was when I was younger… 
Being so in the confines of our home…when she needs to be in her sub space?  That’s a different matter.  I’ll be whatever she needs me to be.  Friend, mate, lover, Dom… 
It is something I struggle with, though…not abusing my position.  It is not in my nature to go easy on her…it is not in my nature to concede my authority… But, I love her…and I don’t want to push her away like I did in that past…so, I’m learning compromise.  Pierre says I’m getting better at it…but, he’s always there in the background.  
Just in case.  


Posted in Blogging, day 22, July, understand, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 22 – Understand 

Thought I would touch on something that seems to confound some people.  How I can be both a fully committed follower of Christ and still hold strong views of scientific Theories.  
This is how.  God is all powerful.  The Bible is His Word.  Some of the Bible is meant to read at face value and some not.  The Bible is not a scientific text.  
If we look at the history of the Bible we can see that the Creation accounts should probably be read as allegorical.  They appear to borrow elements from more ancient creation accounts (Dobson, 2005) and were a way for people in biblical times to make sense of a world where science as a discipline didn’t exist.  And in many ways, the actual point of the Creation story was to explain why God Created, not how.  Not in the scientific sense.  Therefore, it doesn’t negate the possibility of God using the mechanisms of the world He Created to cause life to expand on the earth.  
The Big Bang Theory (an unfortunate moniker as it wasn’t an explosion in the literal sense) is another one that seems to stump people; however is one that most Christian’s accept now as we all believe that there was a definite beginning (Genesis 1:1).  It’s what was before that beginning which is debated by science, but not by Christians.  For us, God was and is.  
I find it fascinating that when I talk of people who don’t understand where I’m coming from, I get confusion from both believers and non-believers.  I even found myself defending evolution against an atheist…strange,  I guess that just proves there are sceptics of all types.  
There is something else that is often misunderstood about where I’m coming from.  Science and faith are not mutually exclusive.  The pursuit of science in some ways was due to “religious” people being in awe of the natural world and wanting to know how the world works. That’s pure science.  Little children “understand” that. They may not realise, but they are constantly engaging in science.  
In this way, science can’t possibly be contrary to faith.  My belief in God doesn’t mean that I will suspend logic and reality.  Because my faith is a relationship with a person, and that person happens to be Jesus.  You can’t have a relationship with science.  Science is something that you do.

So, in conclusion.  I am happy to debate both sides, for faith and science.  I’ve experienced all the verbal jousting possible when it comes to both.  
I’ve had people tell me I can’t possibly be a Christian because I “believe” in evolution.  And I’ve had people ask me how I can be a Christian even though I’ve studied science and taken it seriously.  Or the flip side.  It’s all part and parcel of who I am.  Some of my views on other articles of faith are also maybe a little different to others, but…hey, I believe in the main doctrines so that’s all that counts, right?  And that I say that Jesus is my Lord and Saviour.
Posted in Blogging, day 21, July, moment, my thoughts, word a day

July Blogging Challenge- Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 21 – Moment

I’ve just arrived at work and decided to take a moment for myself in the prep room.  Sometimes, it’s a good thing to do as the chaos of a day can be overwhelming.  Though, the chaos doesn’t usually happen at the beginning of the day, but apparently I’ve just walked into chaos.  There’s going to be twenty-fiv children in the older kids room today and they have the visit from the nursing home today.  
As a blessing, we only have six in the babies room today, so I’m looking forward to a bit of peace in that regard. But, right now I want to take a moment to consider what will happen tonight at home.   We are going to have our second Connect tonight and I’m praying that God will move as I know He always has done in the past.  
I know it is early days, but I am trusting God to draw people close who we need in our lives and who, perhaps, need us in their lives.  It is a challenge that I am excited to step into.  After the initial disappointment I realised that I have to stop trying to do things off my own back.  God has got us in this as He has had our backs in everything.  I can only bring to the table what I have in my hands and then let God do the rest.
A shorter post today, but, I think I’ve said all that’s needed.  
God bless. 
Posted in Blogging, day 20, Guess, July, Pierre Bouvier, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 20 – Guess

Guess who I am?

I was born on 9th of May 1979 
I have dark hair and eyes 
I sing in a band
I have a sleeve tattoo 
I have two daughters

Have you guessed?

That’s right.  I am Pierre Charles Bouvier, lead singer of Simple Plan.

Who remembers making up guess who questions?  I did it in primary school, made them up about myself for class.  But, today I want to talk about Mr Bouvier.  
I have Simple Plan on my mind at the moment because they will be in Australia in September.  Just the thought of them being in the same country makes me smile, even if I won’t get to see them perform. But, today I want to focus on the lead vocalist. 
Pierre.  What can I possibly say about him that hasn’t already been said?  
Having met him in person I can say with all honesty that I no longer need to guess what his personality is.  He is a humble man who cares very much for the band and the fans.  He’s got a sense of humour that I totally get and he has an infectious smile.  
His vocals are raw but so good.  I can pick him from anywhere.  
Meeting him the first time will forever be a favourite memory.  
And I think he’s an awesome father.  At least from what he’s shared on social media. 
Oh, and he’s a dog lover after my own heart.  I still remember when he first got Delilah. 

Oh how time flies and my appreciation for this man as a singer and an all round humble guy? Hasn’t changed one iota.  

Posted in Blogging, day 19, despair, July, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

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Day 19 – Despair

I’m sitting on the train, heading to work and I’ve just finished reading about God’s promise to us that He will send an Advocate to abide in us: His Spirit.  The Holy Spirit.  

In light of this, I know that I do not need to despair for those who are in Christ Jesus.  
However, at the same time it is hard not to mourn for the world. 
There is so much conflict, pain, hurt, in the world right now.  You only have to turn the news on and see.  Terror attacks in Europe, dissent over politics here in Australia.  Politics of fear and ignorance concerning immigrants coming into our country.  Fear of what we do not know.  And sometimes I fear for the next generation.  What are we doing to their world? 
I think we need to start looking to the Scriptures and taking seriously the saying “What Would Jesus Do?”.  It was a big thing when I was growing up.  The WWJD tag.  Perhaps if more of us actually lived it, a difference would we make.  
So.  What would Jesus Do?  
Jesus loves justice.  For all.  He wants us all to repent and turn to Him.  But, there are so many who don’t know Him.  Preaching fire and brimstone is not the answer here though.  Loving others is.  
I’ve already spoken in an earlier blog about what love looks like, but it bears repeating.  Love is a verb, it’s an action that we do.  It is also a feeling, but love is always much deeper than just a feeling and as trite as it sounds, love truly is the only answer to despair.  
Wouldn’t it be amazing that instead of responding to terror attacks with hate and fear that we all took a stand and loved one another.  Showed those who are maligned that we are on their side.  And wouldn’t it be even more amazing if we forgave those who perpetrated those acts of terror and hate.  Not excusing their acts, but understanding where they are coming from and forgiving them for our own souls’ sake.  Hatred festers, but forgiveness heals.  It heals us as much as it heals the other.
Jesus forgave and then told those He graced to go and sin no more.  
We can only do so much, but opening the door for others to know Jesus is a good first step.  
And remember, as it says in the scriptures:  “In this world you will have trouble.  But, take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b 
Posted in Blogging, horses, July, nourish, off topic, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

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Day 18 – Nourish

The word for today is nourish and I really should focus on that.  However, I feel that there isn’t much I can say about the word aside from talking about food and drink and health.  Considering my own health it’s not exactly something I want to talk about right now.  
So, instead I’m going to talk about whatever I want. 
I love how my husband always tries to make me smile when I’m not well or feeling down.  I’m forever grateful for what he says and does in those times.  I don’t enjoy making him worry, though.  And I’m sick of being sick.  I know it’s is just the hazard of the profession I’m in and the fact that when I get colds they tend to linger for a long time.  But, part of me is fed up with it.  I just want to be well.  Winter sucks to be honest.  
I was just thinking that my favourite animal is the horse.  Well, my favourite herbivore is the horse. 
Thowra (The Silver Brumby)
I guess my love of horses have come from the books I’ve read and the movies I’ve watched.  The Silver Brumby, The Black Stallion, Black Beauty, Phar Lap, The Man From Snowy River and the like. 
The Black Stallion
Phar Lap
The Man From Snowy River
The Lipazzaner
Cavalia
Palomino
Clydesdale 
Shire

I don’t think I really need to add any more words to this post.  The pictures speak for themselves.

Posted in blaze, Blogging, day 16, day 17, fire, July, my thoughts, unfold, word a day, Writing

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

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Day 16 – Blaze

So, I missed day 16 as I was in a bit of a mood, yesterday.  And then we went out for a work social night, which was actually exactly what I needed.  Anyway, the word for 16th of July was ‘blaze’.  The first thought that comes to mind when I see the word ‘blaze’ is fire.  
Fire is actually quite an amazing…element?  Well, I can’t really explain fire to be honest.  It is a chemical reaction I think? It’s caused by the combination of chemicals with oxygen in the air and gives off heat, and light.  Blue flame is hotter than orange.  
When humans gained the ability to harness fire…that was when civilisation began, really.  That and agriculture.  But, being able to use fire to cook with, and to clear land for use…that was a big thing.  
I love sitting in front of a fireplace in winter, and enjoying the warmth and also watching the flames leap up and fill a dark room with light.  It’s quite hypnotic…and relaxing.  
When I was at school and we went on camps, we used to do this thing where if the smoke moved toward us, we would say ‘white rabbit’ and it was meant to make it move away.  Half the time it didn’t, but it was fun to just yell out ‘white rabbit’ while sitting in the dark and watching the smoke.  I think the teachers indulged us in this activity, until we were tired and headed to our bivvies.  
Fun times.
I’ve seen another use of the word ‘blaze’ when people say ‘blaze it’.  And maybe I’m getting old, but I really don’t get it.  There’s some connection with 4.20?  And I really don’t know.  Sometimes I wish words just had one meaning and we stuck with that… 
Day 17 – Unfold

Today is the 17th of July, and the word of the day is ‘unfold’.  And, right now I’m attempting to write more of my story The Aviators.  I really want to know how the rest of the story is going to unfold as I began writing it in 2008? I think?  No.  2009.
Wow.  Just.  Wow.  That’s longer than the length of time I took to write Adeline’s Choice (You Don’t Mean Anything).  Granted, I’ve experienced massive breaks between writing.  Lots of writer’s block going on there.  But, I think I know how I’m going to end this.  And, maybe I’ll regret how I’ll end it.  But, I need to finish writing the story because…well, otherwise I never will.  
So, I guess we’ll see.  I’m throwing in the “M” word.  Cliche, perhaps….but, you know.  I’m the master of cliche.  

Posted in Blogging, celebs, charm, day 15, July, my thoughts, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 15 – Charm

Definition:
Noun the power or quality of delighting, attracting, or fascinating others.
“he was captivated by her youthful charm”
synonyms: attractiveness

We often use the word “charming” to describe behaviour that isn’t.  But, I want to talk about the people who I would have to admit could charm the birds from the sky.   I’m going to permit myself to put on my fan girl hat and tell you a bit about my favourite celebrities.  

Number one, of course, is Pierre Bouvier.  I know he isn’t really a celebrity in the Hollywood sense, but he is well enough known to count.  And I’ve actually met him. 
Pierre is such a humble man.  And yeah, I had a crush on him in a big way.  But, it’s now just because he’s such a beautiful person.  Inside and out.  He’s also a good singer and well, Simple Plan wouldn’t be the same without him.  
The next person I want to mention is M Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold. 
His vocals are raw and hard hitting, but can also be tender and emotional.  And he is a larger than life personality when on stage.  I love that.
Then there are the Madden Brothers – Benji and Joel.  
I love these two.  Seeing them perform their album, Greetings From California, in 2014, was an amazing experience. And I’ve loved their Aussie TV appearances from the NRL Grand Finals to The Voice and even earlier their interviews on Rove Live.  I prefer Benji’s vocals over Joel’s and I’ve almost to the point where I can pick the difference between them.
Next I need to mention Travis Cloke.  My favourite footy player.  He gets bagged so much because of his form, but he’s been a loyal Collingwood player for over ten years.

Finally Alex O’Loughlin.  I have no words really for him.  He’s an Aussie, and I fell in love with his Steve McGarrett on Hawaii Five-0.  Then following from that I’ve watched many of his shows and movies.  He is my McTavish face claim…and well.  My favourite actor he is.  

So charming…

Posted in Blogging, day 14, July, miracles, word a day

July Blogging Challenge – Word a Day

Posted on by marlytheadoptee
Day 14 – Miracles

Do you believe in miracles?  I do.  It may seem strange for someone who’s scientifically minded to believe in miracles.  But, the definition of a miracle is something that happens without explanation.  And the fact that the world is governed by scientific law does not negate the possibility of miracles occurring.  God can intervene however He likes.  And he has done, and continues to do so.  
Miracles today may not be so obvious, but I believe they do occur.  Of course, the biggest miracle that ever occurred was when Jesus rose from the grave.  Alive, bodily, arose.  The most amazing and most life changing miracle ever.
But, let’s talk about another kind of miracle.  The more colloquial use of the term.  

Today it was a sheer miracle I didn’t burst into tears at work.  My emotions are all over the place.  I think I’m coming down with another cold, and the kids in the toddler room at the end of the day were frustrating me.  Not intentionally.  They could never actually make me angry, but I honestly just couldn’t…. 

And then when they were all gone, nothing had been done cleaning wise.  Well, that’s not true.  

Lots had been done, it just felt like a lot hadn’t been done.  The outside in my area needed to be done.  I think I was just in a bad place.  Everything was done okay.  It’s me that’s not alright.  

Running on 5 hours sleep and coming to the end of that time…. I’m just super moody. And I’m hungry and down and….yes.

This wasn’t meant to turn into a rant about work.  

I LOVE MY JOB.  I’m just tired and unwell and fed up right now.  

So, yeah a miracle I didn’t cry at work tonight.