Marly's World

The Rhythm of Waiting

Posted on March 17, 2014 by marlytheadoptee

I’m not really good at waiting, unless I have music to listen to. I’m currently at the doctors waiting to be seen. And, I’ve been thinking, music has always been a big part of my life. From when I was very little.

My dad’s stepdad is in a Jazz Band from Melbourne and my dad is very much into music. He learned vibraphone a long time ago and he has written a song with one of his best friend’s. And he is to ‘blame’ for my music tastes. Or at least my initial musical tastes. I have of course branched out from artists such as the Travelling Wilbury’s. However, without my dad, and to a lesser extent my mum (she has influenced me more when it comes to praise and worship music), my love of music may not be as well-nurtured.

Of course, growing up in the church has also added to my music experience. It is my belief that all songs come from God.

It’s interesting to think how life would be like without music. I work in childcare, and think for a moment, we teach little kids through song and movement. I mean, there are even songs about washing our hands.

Wash your dirty hands
Wash your dirty hands
Rub and scrub
Rub and scrub
And wash you dirty hands…etc

Even as adults we make up chants to help us get through the day. “I can do it, I can do it…” Though it’s not really music, it’s got rhythm and that’s a musical construct.

Even if no music is playing anyway, we often tap our feet to silent music, the song that is playing in our heads. Is it any wonder that the natural rhythm of the heart is considered music? Rhythms exist everywhere. And I think even people who have no sense of rhythm do have some sense of it.

Life’s routine is a rhythm of a kind.

Profound thought is profound…

I’m not sure why I’ve become so introspective of late. Could just be the fact that I have this time to ponder* things.

I have my iPod on shuffle and I’m listening to some songs for the first time ever….that’s pretty cool.

As it says in scripture, let us sing a new song (or listen to one).

*Just realised why Ponder Stibbons is called Ponder….he thinks a lot.

faith, God, Jesus, journey, life, personal

Sunday’s. The Lord’s Day

Posted on March 16, 2014 by marlytheadoptee

This is the day
This is the day
That the Lord has made
That the Lord has made

We will rejoice
We will rejoice
And be glad in it
And be glad in it

For this is the day
That the Lord has made
And we will rejoice
And be glad in it

This is the day
This is the day
That the Lord has made.

I love when there are baby dedications at church. It really makes me have more faith when parents want to dedicate their children to God. I think it is so important that a child is brought up in the church. I am also an advocate of choice. Once the child is old enough they should be enabled to make their own decisions about their faith and beliefs.

For me, growing up in churches has really enriched my life and opened my eyes to the importance of a servant heart and that life isn’t just about me.

Sometimes, I wonder what my life may have become if I hadn’t grown in the church. And, it’s hard to fathom. It has been a defining part of my life and I think I’d be a completely different person. And in fact, that makes sense. Being a Christian means dying to oneself and taking up the cross of Christ. It’s not an easy journey. It can be exhausting. But, the wonder of how awesome God is makes it entirely worth it in the long run.

And this is what I want to impart to any child I may have. Of course that’s a future prospect as I have no children, yet. I have no husband yet, either.

My parents keep trying to get me to look for someone. I mean sure, I turn 30 next year but marriage isn’t the ultimate goal of life. Yes, God has created us for relationship and marriage is a good thing, but marriage isn’t something to strive for. Relationship with God through Jesus is.

Of course, I want to get married one day. And I want children. I admit I’m getting clucky, and my biological clock is ticking. However, I’m first concentrating on refocusing my heart on Jesus and serving from a position of humility and love.

Amen.

personal

Physical bodies, not perfect

Posted on March 13, 2014 by marlytheadoptee

Today I was reminded how imperfect our human bodies are. At work, I bent over and now my back is out of whack. I’m currently at mum and dad’s laying down on my side, contemplating life, God and wondering how it came to this.

Of all the days for this to happen as well. It was such a good morning. The kids were so sweet. They always put a smile on my face. Dad came and got me. So, grateful that I have medical practitioners in my family.

Also, so thankful for the amazing girls I work with. If it weren’t for them I think I’d feel a lot worse. And hey….at least I can still walk. Even if it is like a crab.

personal, working with children, worship

Work. Behaviour management. Argh

Posted on March 12, 2014 by marlytheadoptee

Imagine you have nine four year old children two of them who won’t listen. One of those two is the instigator, the other is a follower. What would you do?

I’m almost at the stage of tearing my hair out and it’s only Wednesday lunchtime. The threat of not joining in play sessions etc doesn’t seem to work and I honestly do not know what I should be doing. I feel out of my depth, even though I’ve known these children the whole time they’ve been at the centre.

It’s amazing to stop and think that I’ve been at the centre for almost three years. It feels like a lot shorter. But, seeing the children puts a stop to that thought. A lot of them were in the baby room when I started.

Crazy, eh?

Lovely story though: Yesterday afternoon as I was leaving work, the big boss’ son called out bye to me, and his dad said he liked how he greets me. I live for those moments.

Though, after last night’s session on Worship at team night, I feel that I need to alter my attitude a little more. I still have moments where I feel mad toward the children, but then I think that’s not what Jesus would feel. If I have a servant heart in my daily work, and do it all for God’s glory…my perspective will change.

Everything I do should be for the children. For the centre. And ultimately for He who created us.

That will be my prayer, daily. That I will worship God in everything I do.

Amen.

2013, 2014, life, updates

Update on my life.

Posted on March 10, 2014 by marlytheadoptee

So, it’s been a long time since I’ve written on this blog. And, so much has happened. I’m coming into my third year at my childcare centre and we are in the middle of preparing for one of the many Jewish festivals that they celebrate. (It’s a Jewish childcare centre).

I’ve helped my friend with her short film and I’ve done many exciting things in the past fifteen months or so. Saw Simple Plan again for the third time. And, I got to meet the guys again thanks to a friend here in Perth.

I’ve recently joined a new connect group and as it is Lent I’ve decided to give up something. Namely, Simple Plan. So, this is the last time I’m referring to them until after Easter.

I’m trying to eat healthier and spend less money. It’s not easy, because I think I’m an impulse buyer. I also have a habit of buying when things come out, right away. I need to practise restraint or ask for things as gifts instead. For birthday’s and Christmas.

I’ve been writing more of The Baker Tapes, which has been starting and stopping. I have up to chapter five completed and started on chapter six. It’s interesting that writing wise it’s a lot easier to write about the guys in A7X than it is about, you know which band.

I’ve also been reading a lot of good books. Started a devotional with my friend and finished a few good novels recommended by my mum. I think that when I read a lot it really aids in my writing. There is, I believe, a correlation between people who read a lot and can write well.

Footy season starts in four days. Collingwood play Fremantle on Friday night. I can’t wait for the season to kick off. Though I have been getting more into the summer cricket this year. So, so stoked that Australia won the Urn back.

Last but not least, I’ve been refocusing on God.

Shine Jesus Shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze Spirit blaze
Set our hearts on fire

Flow river flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth Your Word, Lord
And, let there be Light.

Random, working with children

Blogging

Posted on October 20, 2012 by marlytheadoptee

So, I haven’t written on this blog in so long. Probably because I now have Tumblr. And I’ve been Facebooking a whole lot more, as well. A lot, and I mean a lot, has happened since I typed anything on this particular blog site, and I have to say it would take forever for me to list everything, but maybe I could start with the highlights? So, here goes:

Paul and I have been together for 19 months and our relationship is progressing, no matter what my parents think.
Riverview is about to release their first worship album since ‘And Sing’. A studio offering called “Beginnings” and I am super stoked to hear the heart for God in these songs
I saw Simple Plan live in June of this year, and I met them.
I’ve been at my job for almost fourteen months now and there have been a lot of staff changes and a lot of emotional upheaval. Though it is exciting, watching the children growing and learning every day.
I’ve turned 27.
I had sinus surgery.
I’ve made headway on my Cert III
I’m considering early learning childhood education in the long term
I went to my ten year school anniversary.
And…I’ve endured the emotional rollercoaster which is the AFL season.

Speaking of which, I’m still stoked that Travis Cloke is staying a Magpie. And I’m excited for 2013.

Anyway, I’m really not sure what else to write, so I’ll sign off for now. I have to go feed my friend’s dog and cats as she’s away on a mini holiday.

Christianity, God, life, personal, religion, working with children, Writing

Life as me. Or at least some little tidbits.

Posted on November 17, 2011 by marlytheadoptee

Sometimes I wonder what exactly it is I’m doing with my life. Do I really want to work with children? Is my writing just an obsession? Pertinent questions. But, notice, I never, never seriously ask myself, what if God doesn’t exist? What if all the worship I do is worthless, pointless? I never seriously think about that.

I have in passing thought about what my life would be like without the God aspect, but I always come back to the conclusion that without God, life isn’t worth it. God is so important to me. He is the author of everything, and though I am personally responsible for my physical life, my physical being, my physical thoughts and acts; God is still there as well, a rock for my foundation. The guiding light for my heart.

So many things in life steer me toward God, rather than away from Him, and none more so than nature itself. Science also points to God, as far as I’m concerned. But, I don’t mean in the way many ‘Creation Scientists’ claim. I just study science, see nature and believe that God has to exist. Even if it is not the Christian God [though obviously, that is what I believe], there is still a god out there who Created this world.

But, back to my other questions. I have decided that I most definitely want to work with younger children. Beginning in Childcare of course, but perhaps ending up as an Early Childhood teacher in a pre-primary school setting. Of course, it’s not a big money-earning profession, but I’m not really in it for the money. You can’t be. It doesn’t earn you enough to warrant that. Apparently, though the Union in Australia is campaigning for a significant pay-rise and also for the industry to be recognised as a proper career choice and profession as important as teaching in schools.

No matter what, though. I believe this is the area I want to work in. For better or for worse.

Next thing. My writing. I can’t foresee myself ever really publishing anything, most of my original stories get neglected and my brain keeps churning over new ideas that never come to fruition. Though my A7X fanfiction, Shadows Creed has the potential to become an original story, at some stage. However, I can’t see myself ever quitting writing, either. I’ve gotten into a lot of fights with my mum over my writing, with her calling it all ‘crap’. Though I shouldn’t take it to heart because she’s not personally attacking me…it still hurts, and it makes me feel guilty about doing something I enjoy. Which some would say means I shouldn’t be doing it…But, I think I feel more guilty about the being sneaky than actually doing the writing.

I can and will finish my stories, it will just take a lot longer. I hope, though that I won’t tire of them before I finish them… You Don’t Mean Anything being a case in point, though I have some inspiration for it lately.

All in all…that all pales in comparison to how my personal life is going. I am content with myself in general. I have a loving family, boyfriend, wonderful friends, and an amazing God.

That’s me, really. Along with my support of my favourite bands and sporting team…I wouldn’t change any of it. Not for anything or anyone.

2011, Get Your Heart On, Simple Plan

Get Your Heart On! Review: 1. You Suck At Love

Posted on July 27, 2011August 10, 2016 by marlytheadoptee

So, today I’m going to tell you about my first impression of this song.

It is the first new song the band officially released to the public. By singing it live.

Incidentally they did the same thing with Your Love is a Lie back in 2007 – released it live before the studio version. [Though When I’m Gone had already been released.]

Someone posted a live version of YSAL from the Bamboozle tour 2010 on YouTube and I came across it on the SP Crew forums. My initial response to it was that I didn’t like it. It just didn’t grab my attention. Granted the recording was not good quality [it was quite horrible, actually] however, it just didn’t sound like top 10 material to me.

I voiced my opinion and I remember several people getting bent out of shape that I would ever criticise anything created by the boys. You can imagine how that ended.

It took me probably around two weeks, and a few different video recordings of it live, to win me over. I think it really clicked when the band posted a short video of them singing it live in good quality. And my thoughts after that included:

‘Wow, this hearkens back to the Still Not Getting Any… era.’ And then I was almost sold. I at least figured that the band was going as strong as ever, and that even if it weren’t spectacularly amazing, at least they weren’t going to disappoint the ‘hard core’ fans.

On a side note, SNGA is my favourite album, and the one that made me a fan of this band.

Of course, I decided to wait until I heard the studio version…but when I did hear a 30 second snippet of the song, I decided I preferred the live version. [Can’t win, eh?]

Now having heard the full studio version, I really like it. Pierre’s vocals have improved; they still have the ‘live’ qualities that the band ‘perfected’ on the Self-titled album, but has the energy and personality of No Pads and SNGA. I feel that there is something missing on the studio version though, I’m not sure what it is but, there it is.

I don’t love it [still prefer the way the live version sounds] but, I would put it in my top 10 Simple Plan songs.

Random

March…to October

Posted on March 15, 2011 by marlytheadoptee

I apologise for the corniness and cryptic-ness of the title. It’s an ‘in’ thing. If you’re a Collingwood supporter, you would know what I mean.

Anyway, a lot has happened since the last time I blogged. None least than I’ve found a guy who I just clicked with. Yes, he’s my man and he’s almost everything I would want in a guy. I say almost, because no one is ever perfect.

Anyway, in other news:

1. Collingwood won the NABCup Grand Final. Even though the NABCup could really just be considered practise matches, it was still an exciting series to watch.

2. I saw Collingwood face West Coast, and that was exciting, seeing my team live for the first time ever…

3. Seeing the guys at their training session was great as well, I got a photo with Dane Swan, and had my member cap signed by most of the players at the training session. Cloke was busy practising his goal kicking so he only signed a couple of peoples’ things. Great evening, though.

4. I’m working on and off, while looking for more work.

5. I’ve been pretty busy the past few weekends, particularly the weekend of the WA Labour Day, that was full on, but a great weekend.

6. This coming Friday night, I’m going out to the movies with my man ;).

And that’s it for tonight.